Other Brands/Names

Ambroxol, Berea, Betalitik, Brommer, Bronchopront, Broxal, Cellapect, Cystelis, Epexol, Erlapect, Exbrol, Expel, Expel Forte, Extropect, Galpect, Gunapect, Holicos.

How It Works

Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent that thins or reduces mucus viscosity, making it easier to cough up.

Indications

Ambroxol is used to treat phlegmy coughs.

Contraindication

Previous history of allergy to ambroxol.

Side Effects

Common gastrointestinal effects may occur, such as

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Dry mouth
• Stomach ache

Rare but serious reactions can happen, including:

• Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which are acute, life-threatening skin disorders. SJS involves skin peeling on less than 10% of the body surface, while TEN involves more than 30%. Seek medical attention immediately if blistering or peeling skin appears after taking ambroxol.
• Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction; symptoms include a skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and shock.

Types

Ambroxol is available as 30 mg tablets, 15 mg/mL syrup in a 60 mL bottle, and 20 mL syrup drops.

Dosage

Tablets:

• Adults and children over 12 years old: 1 tablet (30 mg) 2–3 times daily.

• Children 6–12 years old: ½ tablet 2–3 times daily.

Syrup and drops:

• Children up to 2 years old: 0.5 mL (10 drops) twice daily; ambroxol drops may be mixed with fruit juice, milk, or water.

Syrups:

• 6–12 years old: 1 measuring spoon 2–3 times daily.

• 2–6 years old: ½ measuring spoon 3 times daily.

• Children under 2 years old: ½ measuring spoon twice daily.

Safety

• Ambroxol can only be used during pregnancy (especially the first trimester) and breastfeeding if it is absolutely necessary; use in these periods requires further research.

• Do not use ambroxol long term without consulting a doctor.

• Administer with caution and close monitoring in patients with intestinal or gastric ulcers, decreased kidney function, decreased liver function, and in children.

Drug Interactions

May increase antibiotic levels in lung tissue if given with antibiotics such as cefuroxime, doxycycline, erythromycin, or amoxicillin.

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