Ambroxol: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Ambroxol?

Ambroxol is a mucolytic medicine used to treat respiratory diseases associated with excessive mucus secretion. Its onset of action starts after 30 minutes of oral administration. It works by reducing the thickness of the mucus, making it easier to cough out. It is available in the form of tablets, syrup, drops, and capsules. Many companies manufacture it in India viz. Cipla, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Aristo Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd, etc.

What are the Uses of Ambroxol?

Ambroxol is indicated for Bronchopulmonary diseases with excessive mucus secretion such as –

  • Bronchiectasis (excessive mucus formation that makes lungs prone to infection)
  • Tracheobronchitis (inflammation of trachea or windpipe)
  • Bronchitis with bronchospasm asthma (narrowing of the airways along with the excessive formation of very thick and sticky mucus that is difficult to cough out and further obstruct the flow of air)
  • Emphysema with bronchitis pneumoconiosis (inflammation, cough, and shortness of breath)

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    What are the Side Effects of Ambroxol?

    The majority of the side effects of Ambroxol resolve on their own and do not require medical attention. However, if the symptoms persist or get worse, you should inform your doctor.

    Common side effects

    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhoea
    • Itching
    • Skin rash
    • Runny nose
    • Gastrointestinal side effects
    • Abdominal pain
    • Heartburn
    • Dyspepsia
    • Dry mouth or throat

    Serious side effects

    • Anaphylactic reactions (anaphylactic shock, rash, pruritus, angioedema, urticarial)
    • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
    • Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)

    For more information on using Ambroxol, get a medical opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.

    What is Ambroxol

    Uses of Ambroxol

    Side effects of Ambroxol

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Ambroxol

    Both Ambroxol and Bromhexine are mucolytic agents. Both drugs are used orally to clear the mucus away from the lungs or airways. Bromhexine is converted into Ambroxol (main metabolite) in the body. So, the risk of an anaphylactic reaction is the same for both drugs. Moreover, you can consult our team for expert opinions.

    No, Ambroxol is not an antibiotic. Ambroxol belongs to the mucolytic class of drugs used to treat acute and chronic pulmonary diseases associated with excessive mucus formation. It loosens the thickened mucus in the airways passages and helps it easily cough out from the airways.

    The recommended dose of Ambroxol for an adult is 30 mg three times a day. A maximum of 120 mg of Ambroxol can be taken daily in divided doses. In patients with renal impairment, dose reduction may be necessary. For more information, you can reach out to our team of consultants for expert opinions on Ambroxol dosage.

    No, Ambroxol does not make you feel sleepy. However, its use is associated with gastrointestinal side effects, abdominal pain, stomach upset, skin rash, etc. Further, for more information related to the side effects of Ambroxol, you can reach out to our medical consultants for expert opinions.

    Ambroxol is more effective in productive cough treatment associated with the formation of sticky and thick mucus in the airway passages and is difficult to clear. Ambroxol reduces its thickness and makes its removal easier from the airways passage.

    Ambroxol is advised to be taken in a dose of 30 mg three times a day. It should not be used for more than 7 days. If there is no improvement after continuous use of 7 days or you experience any allergic reaction to Ambroxol, you should consult your doctor.

    Yes, Ambroxol can be given to the babies on the recommendation of a doctor. However, the recommended dose for babies are - Infants below 6 months: 0.5 mL every 12 hours For 7 to 12 months: 1 mL every 12 hours For 1 to 2 years: 1.25 mL every 12 hours For more information on the safe use of Ambroxol in babies, you can consult our medical experts.

    Ambroxol should not be given to pregnant women; especially, in the first trimester. Additionally, it is not advisable to use it in breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk. You should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, you can contact our team of medical experts.

    No, Ambroxol is not an alcohol. Instead, it belongs to a different class of drug, i.e., mucolytic agent (break-thick mucus), and is helpful in the removal of the loosened cough that makes breathing easier for the patients. It is used to treat various respiratory disorders associated with excessive cough formation.

    Yes, Ambroxol is very effective in bronchial asthma. The symptoms associated with bronchial asthma are cough, phlegm (thick mucus), and wheezing. Ambroxol acts as a dissolving agent for phlegm and can facilitate the secretion of loosened mucus adhered in the respiratory tract and helps improve the symptoms.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Ascoril LS Ambroxol (30mg/5ml) + Levosalbutamol (1mg/5ml) + Guaifenesin (50mg/5ml) Syrup
    2. Ambrodil-S Ambroxol (15mg/5ml) + Salbutamol (1mg/5ml) Syrup
    3. Mucolite Ambroxol (30mg/5ml) Syrup
    4. Monticope-A Ambroxol (75mg) + Levocetirizine (5mg) + Montelukast (10mg) Tablet SR
    5. Relent Cetirizine (5mg) + Ambroxol (60mg) Tablet