Work and Uses of Ambroxol Hydrochloride

Generic Name

Ambroxol Hydrochloride 

Therapeutic Group: Cough expectorants & mucolytics

Pharmacology :

Ambroxol may be a metabolite of Bromhexine. It possesses microkinetic (improvement in mucus transport) and secretolytic (liquefies secretions) properties. Ambroxol stimulates the serous cells of the glands of the mucosa of bronchi, increasing the content of mucus secretion. The mucolytic effect is related to depolymerization and splitting of mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharide fibres, which results in the reduction within the viscosity of mucus. Expectoration of mucus is facilitated and breathing is eased considerably. Ambroxol stimulates the production of phospholipids of surfactant by alveolar cells. Ambroxol has anti-inflammatory properties. In patients with COPD, it improves airway patency. Besides these, Ambroxol also exhibits antioxidant activity. Long-term use is feasible due to the great tolerability of the preparation.

Indications :

• Acute and chronic diseases of respiratory tracts related to viscid mucus including acute and bronchitis 
• Productive cough
• Inflammatory diseases of the Rhinopharyngeal tract (e.g. Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Sinusitis, and Rhinitis) related to viscid mucus
• Asthmatic bronchitis, asthma with the difficult departure of mucus
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic pneumonia.

Dosage & Administration :

Average daily dose (preferably after meal):

Pediatric Drops:

• 0-6 months: 0.5 ml 2 times each day 
• 6-12 months: 1 ml 2 times each day 
• 1-2 years: 1.25 ml 2 times each day 

Syrup:

• 2-5 years: 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoonful) 2-3 times each day 
• 
  
• 5-10 years: 5 ml (1 teaspoonful) 2-3 times each day 
• 
  
• 10 years and adults: 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) 3 times each day.

Sustained release capsule: 

Adult and youngsters over 12 years old: 1 capsule once daily

Specific application features: Ambroxol could also be prescribed to patients affected by DM.

Interaction :

Ambroxol has no interaction with cardioactive glycosides, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, diuretics, and antibiotics (normally utilized in the treatment of bronchopulmonary affections). But Ambroxol shouldn't be taken simultaneously with antitussives (e.g. Codeine) because mucus, which has been liquefied by Ambroxol, won't be expectorated.

Contraindications :

Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to Ambroxol or Bromhexine.

Side Effects :

Gastrointestinal side-effects like epigastric pain, gastric fullness may occur occasionally. Rarely allergic responses like eruption, urticaria, or angioneurotic edema may occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation :

Pregnancy: Teratogenic and fetal toxicity studies have shown no harmful effect of Ambroxol. However, it's advised to not use during pregnancy, especially within the 1st trimester.

Lactation: Safety during lactation has not been established.

Precautions & Warnings :

Ambroxol should tend cautiously to patients with gastric and duodenal ulceration or convulsive disorders. Patients with hepatic and insufficiency should take it with caution.