Generic & Brand Names
Generic: Ambroxol Hydrochloride
Common Brands: Mucosolvan®, Ambrodil®, Ambrolite®
Drug Class
Mucolytic Expectorant Secretolytic Mechanism of Action
Ambroxol enhances the production of pulmonary surfactant and stimulates mucociliary clearance. It reduces sputum viscosity and improves expectoration. It also has mild local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Indications
- Productive cough with thick or sticky sputum
- Acute and chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (adjunct)
- Bronchiectasis
- Respiratory tract infections with viscid mucus
Dosage (General)
- Adults: 30 mg, 2–3 times daily
- Children 6–12 years: 15 mg, 2–3 times daily
- Children 2–5 years: 7.5 mg, 2–3 times daily
- Children <2 years: Only if prescribed
Ensure adequate fluid intake.
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Skin rash (rare)
- Anaphylactic reactions (very rare)
Contraindications & Precautions
- Hypersensitivity to ambroxol
- Peptic ulcer disease (caution)
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment
Drug Interactions
- No clinically significant interactions documented
- May enhance antibiotic concentration in bronchial secretions
Pregnancy & Lactation
Avoid during first trimester. Can be used later in pregnancy and during lactation if benefits outweigh risks.
Key Notes
- Active metabolite of bromhexine
- More potent mucolytic action than bromhexine
- Not indicated for dry cough
References
- British National Formulary (BNF). Mucolytics – Ambroxol.
- British National Formulary for Children (BNFc). Expectorants and mucolytics.
- Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 22nd ed. Elsevier.
- Katzung BG, Trevor AJ. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed. McGraw-Hill.