Introduction
Ambroxol is used for treating various respiratory tract disorders associated with excessive mucus. It works by thinning and loosens mucus in the nose, windpipe and lungs and make it easier to cough out.
Ambroxol should be taken with food. For better results, it is suggested to take it at the same time every day. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. It is advised not to use it for more than 14 days without doctor consultation.
The most common side effects of this medicine include vomiting, nausea, and stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about side effects or they would not go away. Generally, it is advised not to take alcohol while on treatment.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease or if you have stomach problems. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. You must take doctor's advice before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Ambroxol
- respiratory tract disorders associated with viscid mucus
Side effects of Ambroxol
Common
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
How to use Ambroxol
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Ambroxol is to be taken with food.
How Ambroxol works
Ambroxol is a mucolytic medication. It thins and loosens mucus (phlegm) in the nose, windpipe and lungs making it easier to cough out.
Indication
Syrup: Adults -10 ml (2 teaspoonful), 3 times a day.
SR Capsule : Adults - 1 capsule, once daily
Administration
No clinically relevant unfavourable interaction with other medications has been reported.
Adult Dose
Ambroxol should be given cautiously to patients with gastric and duodenal ulceration or convulsive disorders. Patients with hepatic and renal insufficiency should take it with caution.
Renal Dose
Ambroxol is a metabolite of Bromhexine. It possesses mucokinetic (improvement in mucus transport) and secretolytic (liquefies secretions) properties. Ambroxol stimulates the serous cells of the glands of the mucous membrane of bronchi, increasing the content of mucus secretion. The mucolytic effect is associated with depolymerization and splitting of mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharide fibres, which leads to reduction in the viscosity of mucus. Expectoration of mucus is facilitated and breathing is eased considerably. Ambroxol stimulates production of phospholipids of surfactant by alveolar cells. Ambroxol has anti-inflammatory properties. In patients with COPD, it improves airway patency.
Contraindication
Paediatric Drops :
0 - 6 months old - 0.5 ml, 2 times a day,
6 - 12 months old - 1 ml, 2 times a day,
1 - 2 years old -1.25 ml, 2 times a day.
Syrup : 2 -5 years old - 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoonful), 2-3 times a day,
5 - 10 years old - 5 ml (1 teaspoonful), 2-3 times a day,
10 years old - 10 ml (2 teaspoonful), 3 times a day.
SR Capsule : Children over 12 years old - 1 capsule, once daily
Mode of Action
Can be taken with or without food.
Precaution
Mucolytic, Productive cough, Acute and chronic inflammatory disorders of upper and lower respiratory tracts associated with viscid mucus including acute and chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, Pharyngitis, sinusitis and rhinitis associated with viscid mucus, Asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma with thick expectoration, Bronchiectasis, Chronic pneumonia.
Pregnancy Category Note
Tablet: Gastrointestinal Disorders: Dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Immune System, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Anaphylactic reactions including anaphylactic shock, angioedema, rash, urticaria, pruritus and other hypersensitivity.
Syrup: Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, Mediastinal and Thoracic Disorders: Dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; oral and pharyngeal hypoaesthesia; dry mouth and throat.
Nervous System Disorders: Dysgeusia (eg, changed taste).
Immune System, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Anaphylactic reactions including anaphylactic shock, angioedema, rash, urticaria, pruritus and other hypersensitivity.
Interaction
Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to Ambroxol or Bromhexine.
