Ambroxol is a drug that helps to liquefy and remove mucus from the human respiratory organs. The drug is in the register of vital medicines in Russia. Has no narcotic effects. Its effectiveness and safety have been clinically proven. Ambroxol can be used for children starting from 2 years of age.
pharmachologic effect
Based on its effect on the bronchial tree, Ambroxol is classified as a synthetic mucolytic agent.
Increases lung activity. Increases the level of mucus production in the bronchi, which allows the drug substances to completely dissolve in the lung tissues, normalizes the serous and mucous components, and helps in the discharge of sputum. Reduces its viscosity, making coughing much easier. It has the property of stimulating the activity of the respiratory tract and increasing the movement of epithelial cells. This creates efficiency in the use of the drug. At the same time, active substances stop the breakdown of surfactant and increase its productivity.
When it enters the body, the substance dissolves almost completely, interacting with blood proteins, a breakdown process occurs, the necessary cells move with the bloodstream, and the rest is excreted naturally. The active composition cleanses the walls of the lung from microbes, thereby stopping the inflammatory process.
Composition, release form and effect of the drug
Ambroxol syrup is a clear yellow liquid with a fruity odor. Available in dark glass bottles of 100 ml. The set also includes a measuring spoon, which allows you to quickly calculate the required amount of medication for a child, and detailed instructions for using the medicine.
The composition of the drug includes the following components:
- ambroxol hydrochloride,
- benzoic acid,
- hyethylose,
- glycerol,
- sorbitol,
- fruit flavoring,
- purified water.
The drug stimulates mucus production, making the cough productive. After entering the body, the medication reduces the viscosity of mucus in the bronchi, which simplifies its elimination through coughing. By activating the function of the villi lining the walls of the respiratory tract, it helps to quickly remove mucus from the lungs, thereby improving the child’s condition.
Ambroxol stimulates the secretion of pulmonary surfactant, which prevents alveoli from sticking together. The process of oxygen absorption is associated with surfactant. Insufficient intake of fats, which form its basis, can cause hypoxia in the baby.
The active components of the drug have a sanitizing effect on the mucous membranes of the lungs and bronchi of children. By eliminating microbes on the walls of the respiratory organs, they accelerate metabolic processes and inhibit the development of inflammation. READ ALSO: Stodal syrup for children
Once in the body, the active substances stimulate the production of interferon, which increases resistance to viral infections.
Directions for use and dosage of Ambroxol syrup for children
Ambroxol syrup is taken orally in a certain volume, which can be controlled using a measuring spoon. The dosage of the drug depends on the severity of the disease and the age of the patient. Recommended age dosages of the drug for children:
- Child age from 2 to 6 years – ¼ of a measuring spoon (1.25 ml of syrup) 2-3 times a day (7.5-11.25 mg of ambroxol per day).
- Child age from 6 to 12 years – ½ measuring spoon (2.5 ml of syrup) 3 times a day (daily dose 22.5 mg of ambroxol hydrochloride).
- Ages over 12 years – 1 scoop (5 ml) 2-3 times a day (30-45 mg ambroxol hydrochloride per day).
For the first 2-3 days from the onset of the disease, it is recommended to take the drug 3 times a day, then switch to a maintenance age dose, taking it 2 times a day. It is advisable to drink the syrup with plenty of water, which will improve the dilution of sputum in the child and its subsequent removal.
For children under 2 years of age, the doctor decides on the use of Ambroxol syrup on an individual basis. He may prescribe the drug in a dosage of ¼ scoop 1-2 times a day, depending on the severity of the disease.
It is highly not recommended to give the drug to a child under 2 years of age on your own.
Ambroxol syrup analogues
If it is impossible to buy the original, it can be replaced. Similar drugs based on the action of the active substance include the following drugs:
Ambrobene - manufacturer, country Germany. Pharmacological form of release: syrup. It is used to treat inflammation of the respiratory tract in chronic and acute form. The active substance is ambroxol hydrochloride;
Ambrosan is a drug based on ambroxol. Helps with the development of inflammation of the broncho-pulmonary system. Prescribed as a prophylactic for congestion in the bronchi, after surgery or traumatic conditions;
Bronchicum is a thyme-based medicine. Copes quite well with sputum discharge. The main difference between the action of the medicine is that it dilutes sputum and changes its composition. Not recommended for combination with other medications in this group.
AmbroHexal is the most popular prototype of Amobroxal. They have identical properties to the main drug and, in addition, prevent the transition of allergies to an asthmatic state.
- Bronolak – a remedy for getting rid of wet cough;
- Halixol;
- Bronhous;
- Medox;
- Remebox.
Bromhexine is used as a medication for respiratory diseases accompanied by the formation of dense, difficult-to-clear sputum. It is a preventive measure for the development of pneumonia. The active substance is bromhexine. It has contraindications, so it is used only after medical consultation.
- Mukonens;
- Bronchostop;
- ACC.
Ambrovix is a well-known analogue of Ambroxol. Children's medicine, which is a syrup with a banana flavor. Ambrovix instructions for children: Take 2-3 times a day, in a measuring cup, after consulting a pediatrician.
The pharmacological production of drugs is quite diverse - from tablets to saline. solution for inhalation.
Acceptable cough medicines for infants
Currently, pediatricians often prescribe mucolytic drugs. Among them:
- Ambroxol is a mucolytic drug that helps thin mucus in the lungs. This medicine is effective for coughs accompanied by viscous sputum that is difficult to separate. (See article Wet cough in an infant). Pleasant-tasting syrup can be given from the first month of a baby’s life. Dose: from 0 to 2 years, 2.5 mg after meals 2 times a day. The best effect is observed with plenty of drinking, so you need to give more juices, water, compote... According to the instructions, the syrup should not be consumed for more than 5 days in a row.
- Lazolvan - perfectly helps with wet cough, the child coughs up sputum well. The drug is available in the form of syrup. From the age of 6 months, a child can take ½ teaspoon during breakfast and dinner, washed down with water or juice. Additionally, it is recommended to use Lazolvan for inhalation. Drink syrup for an average of 5 days.
- Ambrobene is allowed to be given to the baby in the form of syrup from the first month of life. Effective as a remedy for dry cough, it thins and removes mucus. The dosage depends on the release form. Give the baby 2.5 ml of syrup, 1 ml of solution after meals in the morning and evening.
- Bronchicum - can be given to children from 6 months of age, half a teaspoon in the morning and evening. The composition includes syrup from the herb thyme (thyme), which is excellent for helping with dry cough. You can take the medicine for up to 14 days.
- Fluimucil (contains acetylcysteine) is a drug that can be given to children from 1 year of age in the form of granules. Also used as a solution for inhalation.
- Bromhexine for children - prescribed to children under six years of age in the form of syrup, over 6 years of age - tablets. Also used as a mixture for inhalation.
The dosage and procedure for taking medications that dilute sputum are prescribed strictly by a pediatrician.
The next group of drugs is represented by expectorants. These drugs relieve cough by separating and removing sputum from the lungs due to the fact that the ciliated epithelium is liquefied and revitalized. They are used for acute and chronic inflammation of the respiratory organs, in which the cough is not viscous, thick and is not accompanied by difficult to separate sputum. These medicines are mainly represented by herbal preparations. These include:
- Gedelix - for persistent dry cough in the form of syrup can be given from birth. Herbal preparation. The daily norm is 1 half teaspoon. For infants, you can dilute it in a bottle with water or juice. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids.
- Mucaltin - in tablet form. Not appointed until one year.
- Licorice root - syrup is prescribed for children under 2 years of age.
- Dry cough syrup for children - approved for use from 6 months. Dilute the powder (1 packet) in 20 ml of boiled water. Give the resulting mixture 15 drops after meals in 4 divided doses per day.
- Linkas – reduces cough, promotes thinning and better discharge of sputum, relieves sore throat. Approved for use from 6 months. Give your baby half a teaspoon for a week (up to 10 days).
- Stoptussin - presented in the form of drops. For dry cough, starting from six months, give after meals. A single dose depends on the child’s weight: if the child weighs less than 7 kg, dilute 8 drops; with a weight of 7 - 12 kg - 9 drops per half of a 200 - gram glass of water, tea, fruit juice. Take the medicine three to four times a day. A child can drink less than 100 g, but the dose of liquid for dilution cannot be reduced.
On the topic of cough in an infant:
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In what cases is Ambroxol prescribed to children?
Ambroxol is a drug with a pronounced expectorant effect. It is prescribed to children with:
- rhinitis;
- sinusitis;
- laryngitis;
- tracheitis;
- pharyngitis;
- acute and chronic bronchitis;
- pneumonia;
- bronchiectasis;
- bronchial asthma, complicated by difficult to clear sputum.
The drug is especially effective in cases where, during illness, viscous, thick sputum is formed that is difficult to cough up!
Instructions for use
It is not allowed to take the medicine without a medical prescription for more than 4-5 days. If necessary, the course of treatment can be extended by an observing specialist.
Pills
Take orally during meals with a small amount of water.
Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet (30 milligrams) three times a day in the first 2 days, then 1 tablet twice a day or 0.5 tablets 3 times. Children from 6 to 12 years old, as noted in the instructions, are asked to take 0.5 tablets 2-3 times a day.
Tablets (effervescent)
Take orally after meals. Before taking, 1 or 0.5 tablets should be dissolved in 200 milliliters of water.
Adults and adolescents from 12 years of age: in the first 2-3 days, 0.5 tablets are prescribed three times throughout the day or 1 tablet in the morning and 0.5 in the evening; in the following days, 0.5 tablets twice a day. Depending on the patient’s condition, to enhance the healing effect in the first 3 days, 1 tablet may be prescribed twice a day.
Lozenges for resorption
Take after meals; dissolve until completely dissolved. To achieve a greater healing effect, it is recommended to take large amounts of fluid during treatment.
Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age are prescribed 2 lozenges three times a day for the first 2-3 days. A very large daily dose is 6 lozenges. Then the dose is reduced to 1 lozenge 3 times throughout the day. Children from 6 to 12 years old are prescribed 1 lozenge 2-3 times a day. A very large daily dose is 3 lozenges.
Capsules
Ambroxol Retard is prescribed to adults and children over 12 years of age - 30 milligrams 2-3 times a day. Children under 12 years of age are advised to use other forms of medication, such as syrup
.
Syrup
This form of release is mainly used to treat children.
Cough syrup is prescribed in the following dosages: up to 2 years - 2.5 milliliters twice a day; from 2 to 5 years – 2.5 milliliters three times a day; from 5 to 12 years – 5 milliliters 2-3 times throughout the day. Children under one year of age are prescribed syrup only with the consent of the doctor.
In the first 2 days, according to the doctor’s recommendations, a larger dose can be taken.
Syrup
Adults are also prescribed 10 milliliters three times a day.
Solution for inhalation
Used to treat adults and adolescents over 5 years old, 15-22.5 milligrams 1-2 times a day.
According to the rules, the inhalation solution can be used using any equipment for inhalation (not counting steam), a nebulizer is much better.
Before the procedure itself, mix the drug with 0.9% saline solution (1:1 ratio). Inhalations must be carried out in a calm breathing mode so as not to cause coughing impulses. Patients with bronchial asthma are advised to take bronchodilators before the procedure to avoid nonspecific irritation of the respiratory tract and their spasm.
Solution for injections and droppers
Adults are prescribed 15 milligrams parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly), and for severe conditions – 30 milligrams 2-3 times a day.
As noted in the instructions, children are administered the medicine intramuscularly at 1.2-16 milligrams per kilogram three times a day; intravenously – 1.2-1.6 milligrams per kilogram throughout the day. Children under 2 years old intravenously - 15 milligrams throughout the day, the permissible frequency of administration is 2 times during the day; from 2 to 5 years intravenously – 22.5 milligrams throughout the day, frequency of administration – 3 times; from 5 years and older – 30-45 milligrams throughout the day, frequency of administration 2-3 times during the day.
In order to treat respiratory distress syndrome in newborns and premature babies, the drug is administered intramuscularly or intravenously at a dose of 10 milligrams per kilogram throughout the day, the frequency of administration is 3-4 times during the day. If necessary, the doctor can slowly increase the dose to 30 milligrams per kilogram throughout the day.
The drug is also administered dropwise over 2 hours (for 50 milliliters of Ambroxol, 500 milliliters of 0.9% saline solution or other base solvent).
Drops
Adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed 4 milliliters on the first day of treatment, then 2 milliliters three times a day or 4 milliliters 2 times a day; children 5-12 years old – 2 milliliters 2-3 times a day; 2-5 years – 1 milliliter three times a day; up to 2 years – 1 milliliter twice a day.
Pharmacological properties
Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent; has secretomotor, secretolytic and expectorant effects. Ambroxol enhances the secretion of pulmonary surfactant and stimulates ciliary activity, which facilitates the separation of mucus and its elimination (mucociliary clearance). Activation of fluid secretion and increased mucociliary clearance facilitate the removal of mucus and reduce cough. Has a local anesthetic effect; quickly relieves pain and pain-related discomfort in the nasal cavity, ear and trachea when inhaling. Significantly reduces the release of cytokine from the blood and the number of tissue mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells. The therapeutic effect begins to appear 30 minutes after administration and lasts for 6-12 hours. The maximum therapeutic effect develops after 3 days of treatment. Ambroxol after oral administration is quickly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption of ambroxol has a linear relationship in the therapeutic range. The maximum concentration in the blood is recorded 0.5-3 hours after administration. Binding to blood proteins is about 90%. Penetrates well into tissues, especially into the bronchial mucosa and lung tissue; the highest concentration of ambroxol is found in the lungs. Bioavailability is 70-80%. It is subject to active metabolism during the “first pass” through the liver with the participation of the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. Excreted primarily by the kidneys (90%). The plasma half-life is 10 hours. Total clearance is within 660 ml/min, renal clearance is approximately 8% of the total clearance. Penetrates through the blood-brain and placental barriers, is found in the cerebrospinal fluid, and is excreted into breast milk. Age and gender do not have a clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of ambroxol, so no dose adjustment is required.
pharmachologic effect
A mucolytic agent that stimulates the prenatal development of the lungs (increases the synthesis and secretion of surfactant and blocks its breakdown). Has secretomotor, secretolytic and expectorant effects; stimulates the serous cells of the glands of the bronchial mucosa, increases the content of mucous secretion and the release of surfactant in the alveoli and bronchi; normalizes the disturbed ratio of serous and mucous components of sputum. By activating hydrolyzing enzymes and enhancing the release of lysosomes from Clark cells, it reduces the viscosity of sputum. Increases the motor activity of the ciliated epithelium, increases mucociliary transport.
After oral administration, the effect occurs within 30 minutes, with rectal administration - after 10-30 minutes and lasts for 6-12 hours. With parenteral administration, the effect occurs quickly and lasts for 6-10 hours.
How to take for children, instructions for use
When treating patients in the younger age group, it is necessary to strictly follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor. Any excess of the permitted volume of the drug can cause harm to the baby!
How to take for children, instructions for use:
- The drug is approved for the treatment of children from the age of two.
- The dosage of the drug for children from 2 to 6 years old is a teaspoon twice a day.
- The optimal amount of medicine for children from 6 to 12 years old is a teaspoon three times a day.
- It is necessary to take the medicine half an hour before meals.
- After the syrup is drunk, the child should be given a small amount of warm water, sweet tea or juice. Drinking liquid immediately after taking the syrup helps to activate the formation of sputum.
- The duration of the appointment is determined by the doctor individually. This depends on the child’s diagnosis, his general health, and drug tolerance. The average duration of treatment is from 4 to 6 days. You cannot voluntarily extend the course of treatment! This may lead to an overdose.
Many parents have a question - what kind of cough should children take Ambroxol for? It is ideal for eliminating a dry cough, gently transforming it into a wet one. It copes equally well with wet coughs, effectively thins mucus and allows the child to cough it up more easily.
What to do if after the end of the treatment course the child’s condition has not improved and his cough continues to bother him? It is necessary to inform the attending physician about the child’s health condition. The doctor will prescribe a new course of treatment, possibly based on other drugs.
Even if the permitted dosage is observed, side effects may occur. They are expressed in the following symptoms:
- bowel dysfunction (children in most cases are bothered by diarrhea, much less often by constipation);
- nausea;
- vomit;
- skin rashes, itching.
Don't forget about contraindications. Syrup should not be given to children who have epileptic seizures or problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It is necessary to stop taking the drug if the child has an individual immunity to the composition of the drug.
List of cough medicines for infants (what can be given to a child from birth)
When a cough occurs in infants, young and inexperienced parents grab their heads and don’t know what to do. The physiological peculiarity of newborns is that they are characterized by immaturity of the respiratory muscles, and therefore a pathology of cough drainage is observed. In such a situation, any parents wonder what to do to stop the child from coughing and what can be given to infants for cough so as not to harm them.
Attention! Before giving medications to newborn babies, you should consult your doctor! This review is for informational purposes only.
The entire process of treating cough in very young children should be reduced to providing the child with a regime of cool and moist air, and above all, drinking plenty of fluids, which helps eliminate pathological loss of fluid in the baby’s body.
However, in modern conditions it is difficult to deny the achievements of medicine in the field of pharmacological cough remedies. So, what cough medicines can be given to an infant.
How to take it correctly
Ambroxol can be given to children of any age. According to the official instructions, it is prescribed from birth. However, before giving Ambroxol to a child under one year old, it is still necessary to consult a pediatrician.
Regardless of the form of release of the medicine, you must adhere to the following rules.
- For better sputum removal. Give the child more fluids during treatment (mineral water, weak tea, juices, dried fruit decoction). 30-40 minutes after taking the medicine, perform a vibration massage of the chest.
- To prevent congestion in the bronchi. It is advisable to give the medicine three to four hours before bedtime, since when the child sleeps, the drainage of the tracheo-bronchial tree becomes difficult.
The specifics of using Ambroxol, how and how much to take it, should be discussed with your pediatrician. In some cases, its use is not advisable, for example, when a large amount of sputum is produced, it can cause increased symptoms of the disease.
Syrup
The required amount of the drug is measured using a special cup with divisions; it is advisable to give the drug after meals. The dosage of Ambroxol for children (in syrup) by age is presented in the following table.
Table - Dosage of Ambroxol syrup for different age groups
Age | Amount of syrup, ml | Frequency of administration (how many times a day) |
0-2 years | 2,5 | 2 |
2-5 years | 2,5 | 3 |
5-12 years | 5 | 2-3 |
Over 12 years old | 10 | 2-3 |
The duration of therapy usually does not exceed four to five days. However, exactly how much Ambroxol children should take in each should be checked with their doctor.
Solution for internal use
If the Ambroxol solution is used orally, then it, like the syrup, is dosed using a graduated cup. Before giving the child medicine, the medicine is added to any drink. Recommended dosages by age are described in the following table.
Table - Dosages of Ambroxol solution for oral administration by age
Age | Amount of solution, ml | Frequency of administration, once a day |
0-2 years | 1 | 2 |
2-5 years | 1 | 3 |
5-12 years | 2 | 2-3 |
Over 12 years old | 4 | 2-3 |
How much and how to give Ambroxol to children should be checked with your doctor. Usually, for acute diseases, it is prescribed for four to five days until the frequency and severity of wet cough decreases. If the child has a chronic pathology of the respiratory system, then the medicine can be used for a longer period.
Solution for inhalation
For inhalation administration of Ambroxol, you must have a nebulizer available. It is not recommended to carry out procedures using steam inhalers.
Inhalations with Ambroxol for children are carried out in four steps.
- Pour the required amount of medicine into a small glass.
- Add saline solution (0.9% NaCl solution) in a 1:1 ratio.
- Heat the resulting suspension to a temperature of 35-37°C.
- Pour into an inhaler and carry out the procedure.
For children under five years of age, an inhalation mixture is prepared from 1 ml of Ambroxol. For older children, 2-3 ml of medication can be added to the nebulizer.
Inhalation should last no more than ten minutes. During the procedure, the child should breathe calmly, without taking deep breaths. It is necessary to carry out one or two such procedures during the day.
Pills
This form of the drug is contraindicated for use in children under six years of age. For adults and children from the age of twelve, Ambroxol is prescribed one tablet three times a day for three days, then one tablet twice a day for up to five days. Further - at the discretion of the doctor. Children from six to 12 years old are recommended to take half a tablet two to three times a day.
Storage conditions and periods
You can buy the medicine at the pharmacy. A prescription is required to purchase it. For a patient who is a child, a consultation with a pediatrician is first required. The price depends on the form of release of the medicine. The cost varies from 35 rubles.
The medicine should be stored at a temperature of plus 25 degrees, in a dry, sunlight-proof place, protected from children.
Use immediately after opening the casing. The medicine should be discarded if the expiration date, written in the second row on the packaging, has expired. The shelf life of the syrup is two years, and the tablets are three years.
Instructions for use
According to the instructions, Ambroxol is taken 30 minutes before meals, then washed down with plenty of liquid. Children can be given tea or juice instead of water. Then the formation of sputum will become more active. The dosage and frequency of administration should be prescribed only by the attending physician. There are no side effects from taking it, but vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and rash are possible. You should not use the medication if you have stomach disease, epilepsy or an allergy to certain components of the drug. Also, children under 6 years of age should not be treated with Ambroxol in tablet form.
The duration of therapy with this drug is 4-5 days.
We recommend that you read about how to treat bronchitis and cough in an adult in this material.
If after such treatment the cough is still present, then you should stop taking it and go to the clinic. Prolonged and uncontrolled use of Ambroxol in any form can lead to an overdose, side effects, and the disease becoming chronic.
For adults
When taking Ambroxol tablets, adults should take 1 capsule 3 times a day. The resulting effect lasts throughout the day. If treatment is carried out using syrup, then it is necessary to take the drug 2 teaspoons 3 times a day.
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Mode of application
Ambroxol in the form of syrup is taken orally after meals. The dosage is measured using a special spoon that comes with the medicine. The intake of the medicine depends on the age of the patient:
- Children from two to six years old are prescribed 1.25 milliliters of syrup. The frequency of use is two to three times a day.
- Children from 6 to 12 years old are recommended to take 2.5 milliliters of medication up to three times a day. The daily dosage may be increased, but should not exceed 22.5 milligrams.
- Teenagers and adults take 5 milliliters up to 3-4 times a day.
It is advisable to drink the mixture with a mug of water. This will help improve the quality of sputum and its further removal. Children under two years of age can also be prescribed Ambroxol for serious indications. In such cases, the doctor prescribes 1.25 milliliters once or twice a day. It is prohibited to give medication to your baby on your own, as it has a number of restrictions.
Ambroxol hydrochloride - instructions for use
This medicine is named according to the main active ingredient. Ambroxol's instructions completely repeat all recommendations for the use of tablets. Mechanism of action: half an hour after administration, the medicinal properties of the substance begin to actively manifest themselves. The effect lasts for 10 hours. The main difference between Ambroxol hydrochloride is that it is a long-acting medicine. Positive results from the use of the drug were recorded with secretolytic therapy, acute/chronic bronchopulmonary pathologies associated with weak sputum production.
For children
In all the variety of dosage forms of this medication, syrups are the best option for a child. Ambroxol can be given to children from infancy, only the dosage will differ:
- up to 2 years – 2.5 ml;
- over 2 years old – 2.5 ml three times a day;
- in the period of 6-12 years, give 5 ml of syrup three times a day.
For inhalation - instructions for use
The procedure can be carried out using any heat-moist modern nebulizer. For inhalation, use special forms or drops, solutions that do not contain flavorings or sugar, according to the instructions. Before use, the drug is diluted with a 1:1 solution of sodium chloride (0.9%) and heated to 36 degrees Celsius. Instructions for use of Ambroxol:
- 7-15 mg of the substance for 1-2 procedures per day is prescribed to children under 2 years of age;
- 2-6 years – 2 times a day, 15-30 mg;
- older children receive 2 inhalations of 15-45 mg of the substance.
During pregnancy
The effect of the substance was studied only on pregnant animals; there is no research data on the effect of the drug on humans. The experimental results showed that no teratogenic effect on the fetus was detected. Ambroxol is not recommended for use during pregnancy until the 28th week, then use is allowed. Its positive effect has been proven against the risk of premature birth. It helps stimulate the baby's surfactant production.
The main purpose of the drug under such conditions is consistent use over three days to achieve an effect. The drug tends to pass into milk, therefore, during breastfeeding, the use of the drug unless absolutely necessary is not recommended. If for some reason you need to take this medication, your doctor may prescribe it.
For dry cough
The main task of this medication is to simplify the removal of sputum, but the drug can also cope with a dry cough. This symptom occurs with the development of pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and acute bronchitis. Ambroxol cough tablets can be taken in small quantities before visiting the doctor. It is impossible to treat the disease with this medication alone, because it does not eliminate the main cause of the development of dry cough.
The presence of phlegm in the bronchi can be masked, and taking Ambroxol will help thin it out and remove it. In such cases, a dry cough turns into a wet one and this is a normal reaction to the medication. This is one of the stages in preventing the development of complications and the penetration of mucus into the lungs. It is not recommended to take the drug on your own, even according to the instructions. Only a doctor can prescribe a treatment regimen.
Indications
Ambroxol should only be used for wet coughs. In this case, sputum is released and a soft sound of bursting bubbles is heard. The drug is used to treat respiratory diseases in which thick sputum accumulates:
- Bronchitis of various etiologies, including chronic and obstructive;
- Bronchial asthma;
- Tracheitis;
- Pneumonia;
- Pulmonary cystic fibrosis;
- Pulmonary syndrome in infants;
Contraindications, side effects
Like any other pharmaceutical product, Ambroxol cough syrup has contraindications:
- Fructose intolerance.
- Individual sensitivity to one of the components of the drug.
- Pregnancy (1st trimester), breastfeeding period.
When taking the drug, you should be careful in the following patients:
- With severe renal and/or liver failure.
- With peptic ulcer of the duodenum or stomach.
- In the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
- Children under two years of age.
- In case of impaired bronchial motility.
- With an increase in mucus production associated with rare genetic pathologies.
The use of the drug during pregnancy is controversial. In the 1st trimester it should absolutely not be taken orally
Subsequently, the specialist evaluates the importance of such treatment. If it exceeds the possible risks, then the pregnant patient is prescribed Ambroxol
When taking syrup during breastfeeding, you should stop breastfeeding for a while, since the components of the medicine enter the child’s body through mother’s milk.
Possible side effects:
In rare cases, the development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been observed during Ambroxol therapy. It is a malignant type of erythema. Manifestations: fever, blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, after which bleeding erosions and gray-dark crusts appear. The work of all organs and systems is disrupted. Therefore, experts advise going to the hospital about any skin rashes after taking Ambroxol.
Interaction of the drug with other drugs
Ambroxol and antitussives should not be taken. These drugs suppress the cough reflex. Sputum is not excreted in sufficient volumes; it stagnates in the tissues. This can lead to dangerous consequences: the development of bronchial sputum, bronchiectasis. When exposed to certain antimicrobial drugs (doxycycline, erythromycin), it enhances their penetration into the bronchial lumen.
Contraindications
- Individual intolerance to certain elements of the drug that cause allergies;
- First trimester of pregnancy (there is a risk of negative effects on the fetus, penetration through the amniotic membrane);
- Impossibility of fructose breakdown due to inferior microflora of the digestive system;
- Ulcer of the duodenum, gastric system (accelerated disruption of cell structure due to a decrease in the protective functions of the organ mucosa);
- Liver failure;
- Inflammation of the kidneys (acute or chronic);
- Development of seizures;
- Problems with carbon metabolism;
Prescribed with caution to pregnant women in the later stages (2-3 trimester) and during lactation. In this case, doctor's recommendations are required. When prescribing a course of treatment, it is necessary to analyze the therapy for the mother’s body and identify the negative effects on the fetus or baby. The use of any form of Ambroxol suspension is only after examination by a specialist.
Contraindications and possible side effects
Ambroxol has several contraindications, including:
- intolerance to the main component - ambroxol, as well as other auxiliary components;
- fructose intolerance (for syrup);
- age up to 5 years (for tablets);
- peptic ulcer, gastritis;
- breastfeeding period.
Caution should be used when using cough medicine under 12 years of age, in patients with renal and hepatic dysfunction. You can combine the drug with other medications after consultation with a therapist or pediatrician.
Ambroxol is well tolerated by patients of all ages, but sometimes undesirable effects occur. Among them:
- vomiting, nausea;
- stomach ache;
- stool disorder;
- allergies – skin rashes, itching;
- blood vessels overflowing (hyperemia, redness);
- body reactions similar to allergic ones (anaphylactoid reactions).
Test signs are possible with an overdose of the drug.
When used correctly, Ambroxol is effective in combating coughs of various origins in patients of different ages.
special instructions
The combined use of the drug with antibiotics increases the concentration of substances in the respiratory tract and enhances their effect. Amboxol should be used with caution in children with kidney or liver failure, and additional consultation with a doctor is also necessary for those who suffer from diabetes. Ambroxol is not recommended to be taken with other cough medications. It can be stored for no more than 2 years, at a temperature not exceeding + 25 degrees. The storage place must be dry, protected from light and from children.
What's in the syrup, composition of Ambroxol
First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the components of the drug. So, what's in the syrup, composition:
- the basis of the drug is the substance of the same name ambroxol;
- additional components - sorbitol, tartaric and benzoic acids, propylene glycol, hydroxyethylcellulose, glycerol, menthol, water, flavoring.
Refers to expectorant, secretomotor, secretolytic drugs. Promotes activation of serous cells of the bronchi, increasing mucous secretion. Allows you to dilute viscous sputum, significantly facilitating its removal from the body.
The mechanism of action is very simple. After the drug enters the patient’s body, the drug is activated (after about half an hour). Therapeutic components act on the bronchial mucosa. Active mucus production begins. The accumulated phlegm liquefies and comes out with a cough.
Indications for use
Ambroxol is used in case of development of diseases affecting the respiratory tract:
- Chronic or acute form of bronchitis;
- Bronchial asthma;
- Obstructive pulmonary disease, in severe form;
- Bronchiectatic inflammation of the lung;
- Respiratory distress - distress (in newborns);
- Cystic fibrosis (purulent cough, congenital disease);
- Tracheitis - development of tracheal pathology;
- Laryngitis (thanks to anesthetics, getting into the throat, cleanses the mucous membrane, reduces swelling, relieves the symptoms of soreness and burning).
You should start taking it when a dry, barking cough appears. The medication course continues until the viscous sputum is eliminated. If there is no coughing, supplement with some other remedy until improvement appears.
Ambroxol tablets, description and instructions for use
Mechanism of action
After taking one tablet orally, the therapeutic effect occurs within 30 minutes. Ambroxol is well absorbed from the stomach, undergoes metabolism in the liver and is excreted primarily in the urine. This drug helps get rid of annoying cough with difficult to clear sputum. This effect is due to the main mechanism of action of this medicine - sputum thinning.
The drug helps break the bonds between sputum molecules. As a result, it becomes more liquid and is easier to separate from the walls of the bronchi. Ambroxol activates the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract (stimulates mucociliary transport), which helps relieve cough. In addition, the drug increases the relative content of its liquid part in sputum.
Indications for use
Ambroxol is a modern effective drug for the treatment of dry and wet cough. It is used for any disease accompanied by these symptoms. These include, first of all, diseases of the bronchi - acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive bronchial disease, bronchiectasis. Ambroxol is prescribed to treat cough due to pneumonia. It helps to improve the patient's condition with bronchial asthma, if there is difficult to separate viscous sputum.
Ambroxol is prescribed for the treatment of tracheitis and laryngotracheitis. However, you need to understand that it is less effective for these diseases. This is due to the fact that sputum is formed in the deeper parts of the respiratory tract, therefore, with inflammation of the larynx and trachea, the effect of ambroxol decreases.
Mode of application
Ambroxol tablets are not recommended for children under 6 years of age; other dosage forms (for example, syrup) are more convenient for them.
Children aged 6 to 12 years are prescribed half a tablet (15 mg) 2-3 times a day.
Children over 12 years of age and adults are prescribed 1 tablet of 30 mg 3 times a day for the first 2 days, and then 1 tablet of 30 mg 2 times a day. Effervescent tablets can also be taken in the same dose.
Extended-release 75 mg capsules are usually taken once daily in the morning. Their action continues throughout the day.
The instructions for use of this drug limit the duration of taking ambroxol tablets to 4–5 days. A cough that persists during such treatment indicates inadequacy of therapy. In this case, you need to consult a doctor. Long-term uncontrolled use of ambroxol, including in the form of tablets, leads to an overdose of the drug, the development of side effects, a protracted course of the disease and increases the risk of its complications.
Side effects
When the drug is used correctly, side effects are very rare. The most common symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea or constipation. Weakness, headache, skin rash, dry mouth and larynx may also occur when taking ambroxol.
The development of an allergic reaction in the form of urticaria and angioedema is possible. Anaphylactic shock when taking ambroxol tablets is very rare.
Contraindications
There is no need to take ambroxol during the first trimester of pregnancy, or if you have an allergic reaction to it.
Ambroxol tablets should be used with caution by people with stomach diseases (gastritis, peptic ulcers) so as not to provoke an exacerbation of these diseases
Ambroxol
Ambroxol is a mucolytic drug that helps thin mucus and facilitate its removal from the lungs.
Release form and composition
The following dosage forms of Ambroxol are produced:
- Tablets of 30 mg, ordinary, effervescent or prolonged action, in a package of 50 pieces;
- Ampoules 15 ml;
- Syrup containing 15 mg or 30 mg of the drug in 5 ml, in 100 ml bottles;
- A solution for inhalation containing 15 mg of the drug in 2 ml, in 100 ml bottles.
The active component of Ambroxol is ambroxol hydrochloride.
According to the instructions, Ambroxol is indicated for:
- Chronic and acute diseases of the respiratory tract, accompanied by sputum production (bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis with broncho-obstructive syndrome, bronchiectasis);
- Respiratory distress syndrome in premature and newborn babies.
Contraindications
According to the instructions, Ambroxol should not be taken if you have hypersensitivity to the active or auxiliary components of the drug.
Ambroxol tablets are contraindicated in children under 6 years of age.
When using Ambroxol, caution should be exercised in case of stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as in case of renal or liver failure.
The use of Ambroxol is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy. Medicines should be prescribed in the second and third trimesters based on the potential benefit to the mother and the possible danger to the fetus.
If there is a need to use the drug during lactation, then breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment.
Ambroxol tablets and syrup are intended for internal use. Ambroxol syrup is prescribed, as a rule, in a dosage of 30 mg at a time (children over 12 years of age and adults). For children under 12 years of age, syrup is prescribed at a dose of 15 mg at a time. The syrup is taken three times a day.
Ambroxol tablets are taken during meals with a small amount of liquid. Children over 12 years of age and adults take the medicine three times a day according to the following regimen: the first 2-3 days, 30 mg per day, after which you can switch to 15 mg per day or continue to take 30 mg twice a day.
For children from 6 to 12 years old, Ambroxol tablets are prescribed in a dosage of 15 mg, divided into two or three doses.
According to the instructions, Ambroxol in the form of a solution is administered orally three times a day according to the following scheme:
- The first 2-3 days, 4 ml;
- The subsequent days of treatment - 2 ml per day.
Children aged 2-5 years take Ambroxol in the form of a solution, 1 ml three times a day, children under two years old - 1 ml twice a day.
Ambroxol for inhalation is prescribed to children 5-12 years old, 1 inhalation per day, after 12 years and to adult patients - 2 inhalations per day.
It is not recommended to use Ambroxol for more than five days without medical supervision.
After use, the drug begins to act after half an hour and maintains its therapeutic effect for 9-10 hours.
Side effects of Ambroxol
The use of Ambroxol may cause the following side effects:
- Allergies: skin rash, urticaria, allergic contact dermatitis, angioedema, anaphylactic shock;
- Digestive system: dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, gastralgia;
- Respiratory system: rhinorrhea, dry mucous membranes of the respiratory tract;
- Other side effects: exanthema, dysuria, headache, weakness.
special instructions
It is not recommended to combine Ambroxol with antitussive medications that impede the removal of sputum.
In the combination of Ambroxol with cefuroxime, erythromycin, doxycycline, amoxicillin, an increase in their penetration into bronchial secretions is observed.
In patients with bronchial asthma, it is recommended to use bronchodilators before inhalation to avoid specific irritation of the respiratory tract and their spasm.
Ambroxol syrup can be prescribed to patients with diabetes.
Ambroxol analogs
The following drugs are analogues of Ambroxol:
- Lazolvan;
- Ambrolytic;
- Mucosolvan;
- Mucovent;
- Fluixol;
- Lasolvan;
- Lindoxil;
- Mukofar;
- Mucosan;
- Secretil;
- Bronchopront;
- Viscomcil.
Terms and conditions of storage
The medicine should be stored in a dry, dark place out of reach of children. The shelf life is 3 years from the date of manufacture.
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Side effects
- The child’s digestive system may react to taking Ambroxol by diluting the stool or, conversely, causing constipation. If the drug is used for a very long time, it provokes nausea, abdominal pain, heartburn and even vomiting.
- Another common side effect of Ambroxol is allergies, which can be provoked by the flavors and other chemicals contained in it. While taking the medicine, the child may complain of an itchy rash or swelling of the skin. Occasionally, the drug causes dermatitis, and in some children the very first dose of Ambroxol leads to anaphylactic shock.
- Rarely, a child's body responds to treatment with Ambroxol with headaches, dryness of the oropharyngeal mucosa, weakness, dysuric symptoms, and nasal discharge.
- In some children, taking Ambroxol leads to increased nervous excitability.
- If the drug is injected into a vein too quickly, it will cause severe headache, shortness of breath, fever, chills, numbness, and low blood pressure.
Side effects
- Digestive system: change in stool, appearance of signs of intoxication - vomiting, nausea, burning in the throat, Skin - rash, swelling, dermatitis, anaphylactic shock;
- Sometimes the symptoms are headache, dry mouth, weakness, snot;
- Nervous web - nervousness and irritability may appear;
- If the drug is administered incorrectly into a vein, severe headache, shortness of breath, fever, surges in blood pressure, and chills may develop;
- The development of Steven-Jones syndrome is quite rare;
- Any of the developed signs is a signal that you should immediately stop taking the drug.