AMBROXOL belongs to a class of drugs called 'mucolytic agents' (cough/sputum thinner) primarily used to treat acute (short term) and chronic (long term) respiratory diseases associated with excess mucus. Acute respiratory diseases are initially associated with dry, irritating cough, hoarseness in laryngitis (swelling of the voice box) or burning sensation in chest due to bronchitis (swelling of the lining of bronchial tubes). Then, wet mucus forms and continuous coughing out of sputum occurs. In chronic respiratory diseases, both dry irritating cough and wet cough with mucus occur.
AMBROXOL contains Ambroxol that works by thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in lungs, windpipe and nose. AMBROXOL breakdown the acid mucopolysaccharide fibres that make the mucous (sputum) thinner and less dense/viscous removing sputum efficiently by coughing. However, the viscosity of sputum remains low for as long as treatment is maintained.
Take AMBROXOL as prescribed. Your doctor will recommend how often you take AMBROXOL based on your medical condition. Some people may experience nausea, taste change, numbness in mouth, tongue and throat. Most of these side effects of AMBROXOL do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to AMBROXOL or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using AMBROXOL. If you have kidney or liver problems, stomach ulcer, asthma or cough from long time, please inform your doctor before taking AMBROXOL. In children below 6 years, liquid form is preferred as tablets are contraindicated.
Dry cough, Respiratory disorder with viscous cough
AMBROXOL is a mucolytic agent (mucus thinner) that is used to treat acute (short term) and chronic (long term) respiratory diseases associated with excess mucus. AMBROXOL helps in making cough less viscous so that it can be coughed out easily in the conditions of acute and recurrent bronchitis (airways infection), laryngitis (voice box infection), and tracheitis (windpipe infection) and chronic diseases like chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thus, helps in thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in the lungs, windpipe, and nose to cough out easily and provide relief from symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.
Talk to your doctor before taking AMBROXOL if you have had a cough for a long time, asthma or suffer from serious asthma attacks, liver or kidney problems, or peptic or duodenal ulcers. There have been reports of severe skin allergic reactions with AMBROXOL, so if you develop a skin rash, immediately stop using AMBROXOL and contact your doctor immediately.
Drug-Drug Interaction: AMBROXOL may have interaction with antibiotics (amoxicillin, cefuroxime, and erythromycin) and a cough suppressant (codeine).
Drug-Food Interaction: AMBROXOL interaction with food is unknown. Please consult a doctor to know which foods are to be avoided while taking AMBROXOL.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Use with caution in patients with cough for a long time, stomach ulcer, kidney or liver problems and asthma.
Interaction of alcohol with AMBROXOL is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with AMBROXOL.
AMBROXOL is a Category C pregnancy drug and is not recommended for pregnant women especially in the first 3 months as it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
Avoid breastfeeding while taking AMBROXOL as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby.
AMBROXOL usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Take AMBROXOL with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Take AMBROXOL with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
AMBROXOL in tablet is not recommended for children below 6 years of age. AMBROXOL in oral solution form is given for children below 6 years in doses prescribed by a doctor.
Cough: Acute respiratory diseases are initially associated with dry, irritating cough, hoarseness in laryngitis (swelling of the voice box), or burning sensation in the chest due to bronchitis (swelling of the lining of bronchial tubes). Then, wet mucus forms, and continuous coughing out of sputum occurs. In chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, both dry irritating cough and wet cough with mucus occur.