Ambroxol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses of Ambroxol

What drug is Ambroxol?

Ambroxol HCl (hydrochloride), or better known as ambroxol, is a drug from the mucolytic class. Reporting from there Very Well Health, mucolytic drugs function to dissolve the large and thick phlegm that clogs the respiratory tract.

By using the cough medicine ambroxol HCl, the phlegm will be thinner so it is easy to get it out of the throat when coughing. This makes it easier for you to breathe because the airways are no longer obstructed.

Usually this drug is used for several conditions, such as:

1. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes due to infection. Bronchi are the passage in and out of air to and from the lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus with a specific sputum color.

2. Asthmatic bronchitis

This condition is a combination of acute bronchitis and asthma, both of which are inflammation of the airways. When asthma and acute bronchitis occur together, it is called asthmatic bronchitis.

3. Emphysema

Emphysema is one of the most common forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This disease occurs when the lungs have dilated ducts due to chronic blockage. This disease is associated with chronic bronchitis.

4. Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is damage that makes the airways (bronchi) abnormally expand, soften, and thicken. As a result, it is difficult for the lungs to clear mucus. This disease is a rare condition that causes a cough with phlegm that doesn't go away.

5. Tracheobronchitis

This condition occurs when the throat or bronchi become inflamed. Usually this condition can be caused due to a bacterial or viral infection, but it can also result from several types of irritation, such as cigarette smoke.

The mechanism of action of the drug ambroxol

As mentioned above, ambroxol HCl is a mucolytic agent used to treat respiratory disorders associated with excess phlegm production.

This medicine contains the active ingredients Mucosolvan, Lasolvan, and Mucoangin. These substances are drugs whose role is to restore the cleansing mechanism (clearance) the respiratory tract by stimulating surfactant formation and release by type II pneumocytes.

Surfactants act as anti-glues by reducing the adhesion of mucus to the bronchial walls to help provide protection against infection of the bronchi.

The cough medicine ambroxol HCl does not stop coughing, making it easier for the body to expel excess phlegm from the respiratory tract.

What are the rules for using ambroxol?

This drug is one type of hard drug that must use a doctor's prescription. Therefore, always follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take cough medicine ambroxol HCl.

You can take this medicine before or after eating. Make sure you drink plenty of it while taking this medicine, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Make sure the distance to take the drug between one dose and another dose is the same. You can set reminders so you don't forget.

If you are taking ambroxol cough syrup, make sure to always shake the container well for 15 seconds before drinking it. Use a measuring spoon to make it the right size.

Meanwhile, if you are taking ambroxol cough medicine tablets, do not crush, chew, or cut the medicine into pieces unless your doctor recommends it.

The cough medicine ambroxol HCl is not recommended for long-term consumption, so take this drug according to the time period prescribed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't change, gets worse, or if you experience new symptoms. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

How do I store the drug ambroxol?

In order for this drug to work optimally, you must first understand the storage rules. Here are some guidelines for storing the drug ambroxol HCl that you should know:

• This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places.
• Do not store this medication in the bathroom.
• Do not store this medication in the freezer or frozen.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so.
• Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

If necessary, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product. Not all drugs have the same storage method as this drug. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Ambroxol for adults?

The dose of ambroxol for adults ranges from 30 mg (1 ambroxol tablet) to 120 mg (4 ambroxol tablets) per day in 2-3 divided doses.

Basically, the dose of ambroxol tablets and the length of treatment for adults will be adjusted to the patient's condition, the severity of the disease, as well as his body's response to this drug.

Always consult your doctor to determine the dose of ambroxol tablets that suits your needs

What is the dosage of Ambroxol for children?

The dose of ambroxol syrup commonly used for children is:

• Children younger than 2 years: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of ambroxol syrup, taken twice a day.
• Children 2-5 years of age: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of ambroxol syrup, taken 3 times a day.
• Children over 5 years: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ambroxol syrup, taken 2-3 times a day.

As with adults, the dose of ambroxol syrup for children will be adjusted according to their age, health condition, disease severity, and their body's response to this drug.

Always consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose of ambroxol syrup according to your child's needs.

In what dosages and preparations is ambroxol available?

There are two main preparations for ambroxol, namely tablets and syrup. Each tablet contains ambroxol 30 mg.

Meanwhile, ambroxol syrup contains 30 mg of ambroxol.

Ambroxol Side Effects

What side effects might ambroxol have?

The most common side effects of using the cough medicine ambroxol are:

• Mild indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Dyspepsia

In some cases, allergic reactions such as skin rash, hives, swelling and redness may also occur. It is important to understand that not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using this drug?

Some things that you should pay attention to before using ambroxol cough medicine are:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have hypersensitivity to any of the components in this medicine.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using or will be using.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have stomach disorders such as ulcers or peptic ulcers. Because this drug might worsen your condition.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using this medicine, contact your doctor.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have impaired kidney function. Because this drug is secreted in the urine through the kidneys. Levels of this drug can build up in the body, allowing it to cause side effects and worsen your condition.
• If after taking this drug you experience itching, reddish rash, swelling, and other allergic reactions, then immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
• If you experience symptoms of an overdose which are marked by the appearance of excessive side effects, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
• Although it can be given to children, it's a good idea to first ask your doctor about the dose of ambroxol for children.

Is ambroxol safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using the drug ambroxol for pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

However, based on existing studies, taking ambroxol in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy does not cause a bad effect on pregnancy.

Even so, experts agree that pregnant women avoid ambroxol during the use of this drug in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Meanwhile, for nursing mothers, ambroxol can be absorbed into breast milk. However, these effects have no effect on the baby if you take this medicine according to the dosage and the rules recommended by your doctor.

In essence, don't forget to always consult a doctor first before taking ambroxol, especially for those of you who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What medicines might interact with this drug?

Do not use this medicine at the same time as some antibiotics such as:

• amoxicillin
• cefuroxim
• erythromycin
• doxycycline

The use of drugs simultaneously will increase the concentration of these antibiotics in the lung tissue.

In addition, the use of this drug together with cough reflex suppressants is also not recommended because it can inhibit the discharge of phlegm from the respiratory tract.

It should be understood that several types of drugs that interact with the cough medicine ambroxol HCl work in two ways, namely:

• The drug ambroxol HCl inhibits other drugs
• Another drug that actually inhibits the drug ambroxol HCl

Inform all lists of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have gastrointestinal health problems related to the stomach, such as stomach ulcers (stomach ulcers) or ulcer disease.

In addition, tell your doctor if you develop hypersensitivity to any of the components of this medicine.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

If you develop symptoms of an overdose like the symptoms of excessive side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule.

In essence, you are not recommended to double your dose if you forget to take this medicine.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.