Contents
Ambroxol (Latin ambroxol) is a mucolytic drug, the action of which is based on increasing the amount of mucus secreted from the body and reducing its viscosity. Colloquially, these types of drugs are called “expectorants”. They help in faster and more effective cleansing of the respiratory tract of residual mucus. The secretion of the respiratory tract plays a very important role in our body. It prevents the mucosa from drying out and enables the proper functioning of the cilia of the respiratory epithelium. Sometimes, however, it is excessively produced and its density and viscosity increase. This prevents the proper functioning of the cilia and the production of secretions.
The active substance and the mechanism of action of Ambroxol
The active substance is ambroxol hydrochloride. Its action increases the production of pulmonary suffricant and improves the cilia of the respiratory epithelium. Increased amount of secretions and much better mucociliary transport facilitate expectoration, i.e. getting rid of mucus from our bronchi. Ambroxol also alleviates sore throat and reduces redness, and its local anesthetic effect has been observed by blocking sodium channels. Oral ambroxol hydrochloride is absorbed rapidly and completely from the gastrointestinal tract. Ambroxol is approximately 90% bound to plasma proteins in adults and 60-70% in neonates and is metabolised mainly in the liver by glucuronidation and partly to dibromoanthranilic acid.
Medicines containing the active substance ambroxol
Currently, there are many preparations on the market containing the active substance ambroxol. The most popular form are syrups and coated tablets. Ambroxol also comes in the form of prolonged-release capsules, injectable solutions, oral drops, inhalation fluids, effervescent tablets and other oral fluids.
Dosage of the drug Ambroxol
The dosage of the drug strictly depends on its form. The dosage of Ambroxol in the form of a syrup, tablets or inhalation looks different. The leaflet attached to the package of the medicine or the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist should be strictly adhered to. It should be remembered that the drug should not be used before bedtime, because it causes expectorant reflexes.
Application of the preparation Ambroxol
The use of drugs containing ambroxol hydrochloride is mainly limited to diseases that cause secretions in the respiratory tract. Preparations based on ambroxol are used in acute and chronic lung and bronchial diseases, which result in difficult expectoration of sticky and thick secretions. I am talking about diseases such as acute and chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Ambroxol lozenges are used in inflammation of the nose and throat. When oral administration of Ambroxol is impossible, the drug is delivered to the body parenterally. Mainly in premature babies and newborns with respiratory distress syndrome, to prevent pulmonary complications in people in intensive care, and in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to reduce the risk of atelectasis.
Contraindications to the use of Ambroxol
Certain diseases and the concurrent use of other drugs may contraindicate the use or change the dosage of the drug. In case of any doubts or problems, please contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Ambroxol cannot be used if we are allergic or hypersensitive to any of its ingredients. Ambroxol may cause bronchospasm. Caution in the use of the drug is recommended in people with gastric or duodenal ulcer disease, in the case of intestinal ulceration, liver or kidney failure, and in the case of bronchial ciliary clearance disorders and problems with the cough reflex. People with fructose intolerance or mouth ulcers should not use Ambroxol oral tablets. The drug passes into breast milk, therefore its use is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Interactions with other drugs
Ambroxol should not be administered together with drugs that suppress cough (e.g. codeine). Parallel use of Ambroxol with such antibiotics as amoxicillin, cefuroxime and erythromycin increases the concentration of these antibiotics in bronchopulmonary secretions and in sputum.
Side effects
The use of any drug may cause unexpected side effects. When taking Ambroxol, these may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anaphylactic reactions, itching, skin reactions (erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).