Acute respiratory viral infection
Not recommended
For the treatment of acute viral respiratory infection, Kagocel is not mentioned in international recommendations. Etiotropic therapy is not required for URI; supportive care is indicated.
Other antivirals (local classification)
ATC code: J05AX-KAGOCEL (Kagocel (local code))
The manufacturer claims stimulation of late interferon synthesis (IFN-α and IFN-β). The active component is a synthetic polymer based on gossypol (a cottonseed derivative). Kagocel is not mentioned as a molecule in international sources. No independent international clinical trials of efficacy have been published.
Not recommended
For the treatment of acute viral respiratory infection, Kagocel is not mentioned in international recommendations. Etiotropic therapy is not required for URI; supportive care is indicated.
Not recommended
Kagocel for herpes infection is not mentioned in international sources. Evidence-based therapy for herpes simplex consists of nucleoside analogues (aciclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir).
Not recommended
Kagocel for the treatment or prevention of influenza is not mentioned in international guidelines (, , ). Proven antiviral options are oseltamivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir, with annual influenza vaccination as the principal prevention method.
Not recommended
— Immune system boosting: Kagocel is positioned in Russian pharmacies as an «interferon inducer for immunity». The product is not registered internationally and is absent from , , , and guidelines. No independent multicentre RCTs with clinical outcomes by current standards have been published. Slate (2017) and Russian independent media described methodological problems in its supporting evidence base. The manufacturer label advises caution in men of reproductive age due to the gossypol-derived structure.
Contraindicated in pregnancy per manufacturer label.
Kagocel is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Influenza (evidence tier F), Herpes simplex (evidence tier F), Acute respiratory viral infection (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Kagocel (≥ 1 in 100): Per manufacturer label — allergic reactions (frequency not specified in available sources). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Contraindicated in pregnancy per manufacturer label.
Kagocel is contraindicated in: Age under 3 years; Pregnancy; Breastfeeding; Lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption; Hypersensitivity. Full list in the Safety section.