It is well known by all that excess phlegm or mucus in the body is one of the most irritating and troublesome of conditions. Especially during the times when we are suffering from cold, cough or a throat infection, there are hours of non-stop coughing and clearing of the throat. Most times, this lasts as long as the infection is present in the body, but at other times, it could much longer and become an unrelenting irritant.
Sometimes, excessive phlegm is caused due to seasonal allergies, while food allergies are another reason for high amount of mucus content in the body. There are many ways to help treat this condition, and one of the medicines used in Ambroxol, so let us look at this drug.
Composition and Nature of Ambroxol:
While one tablet of Ambroxol contains 30 mg of ambroxol hydrochloride, 5 ml of the syrup is comprised of 15 mg of ambroxol hydrochloride. It is manufactured by Erela, and it comes into the market in a few dosage forms, tablets and syrups being the most popular, apart from pastilles, ampules and drops, dry powder sachets, inhalation solution and effervescent tablets.
Uses & Benefits of Ambroxol:
Ambroxol is used to treat respiratory conditions associated with excessive mucus. Some conditions for which this drug is prescribed are:
- Acute pharyngitis
- Emphysema with bronchitis pneumoconiosis
- Asthma
- Tracheobronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Acute exacerbations of bronchitis
Side Effects of Ambroxol:
Some of the side effects can be of rare occurrence, but serious in nature. Here is a list of such side effects due to consumption:
- Contact allergy
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Bleeding from nose and gums
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dizziness and fainting
- Blurred or double vision
- Altered color perception
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Intolerance to bright light
- Fever with body pain
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Gastrointestinal side effects
- Skin rash and itching
- Constipation
- Difficulty in urination
- Heartburn
- Rash
- Abdominal pain
- Digestive disorders
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
If one experiences any allergic reactions due to this drug, they must contact the doctor immediately.
Common Dosage of Ambroxol:
It should be taken in the dose and time as suggested by the physician. One can also check the packaging for directions on how to use the drug. In case of tablet, swallow it whole and don’t break, chew, or crush. Normally, for adults, it is two to three divided doses in a day while for children, depending on how young or old, dosage varies. Completing the dose is crucial else the condition could continue worsening. It should be remembered that a patient, if he/she is under any other kind of medication, should inform the physician of the same. Sometimes, suffering from some other health issues can lead to susceptibility to side effects, so one must inform the doctor of any such conditions as well.
How Ambroxol works?
Ambroxol breaks down the rigid formations of mucous in the lungs, thus allowing for easier breathing and coughing out of phlegm. It is useful in treating acute and chronic respiratory diseases as a result of surplus mucous secretion.
Warnings and Precautions – When to Avoid Ambroxol:
It is better to avoid alcohol during dosage period, even though interaction results are unknown. There are no results for use by pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant, nor are there any results for lactating women, so doctor’s advice is best. Kidney and liver patients should perhaps make adjustments in dose, and a check with the doctor would help.
Substitutes for Ambroxol:
Some other medicines with Ambroxol as an ingredient which can be used as a substitute are:
- Respira Syrup (manufactured by Geno Pharmaceuticals Ltd)
- Zerotuss Xp 30 mg/1 mh/50 mg Syrup (Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd)
- Ascoril Ls Junior Syrup (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd)
- Amcold 5 mg/30 mg Syrup (Cipla Ltd)
- Ventryl 30 mg/100 mg/2.5 mg Expectorant (Micro Labs Ltd)
- Mucolite Ls Syrup (Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd)
- Bludrox A 30 mg/500 mg Tablet (Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd)
- Kofcare Am Syrup (Unichem Laboratories Ltd)
- Mucaryl Ls Syrup (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd)
- Brozeet Ls Syrup (Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd)
- Amicet 5 mg/60 mg Tablet (Leeford Healthcare Ltd)
- Mucaryl Ls Drop (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd)
- Levolin Plus Syrup (Cipla Ltd)
- Murox Pd Syrup (Admac Pharma Ltd)
- Cetcor Tablet (Corona Remedies Pvt Ltd)
- Macbery Junior Expectorant (Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd)
- Viscodyne Natural Syrup (Wockhardt Ltd)
- L Montus Abl Tablet Sr (Fourrts India Laboratories Pvt Ltd)
- Salbid Plus 30 mMg/100 mg/2.5 mg Syrup (Micro Labs Ltd)
- Soventus Ls Syrup (Zuventus Healthcare Ltd)
- Tusq X Plus Sf Syrup (Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd)
Ambroxol Interactions:
Drug interactions can change the workings of any prior medication and can also increase the risk of any serious side effects. It is best not to start, stop, or change dosage of any medication unless one has approval from the doctor. it is advisable to avoid mixing this drug with any other as much as possible, unless advised by the doctor.
FAQs:
1) Does Ambroxol exhibit properties of an antibiotic/steroid?
Ans: Ambroxol comes from a class of drugs known as expectorants (helping in taking out mucus through cough) or mucolytic (mucous), and is neither an antibiotic nor a steroid. It does not fight against infections, nor does it have effects similar to steroids.
2) Can Ambroxol be used to cure dry cough?
Ans: No, Ambroxol is best used to treat acute/chronic cough associated with blockaded mucus, and help fix poor mucus clearance.
3) Can Ambroxol/mucolite be a safe bet for infants?
Ans: Mucolite, the trade name for Ambroxol, can be used in children below 2 years of age, but only if prescribed by the doctor. It must be used in prescribed doses and only for the prescribed duration, as advised by your child’s or infant’s doctor.
4) Is ambrodil a cough syrup?
Ans: Ambrodil, another trade name for Ambroxol, is available as a cough syrup in the market and can be an effective tool in the treatment of productive cough, which is due to thickened mucus and poor clearance of mucus in the throat.
