Ambroxol: instructions for use for children, syrup, tablets, inhalations, analogues

"Ambroxol": effectiveness of use

The instructions for the drug say that when using it, the patient will receive the following effects from use:

When treated with this drug, the patient's viscosity of bronchial secretions decreases and the sputum collected in the bronchi is liquefied.
Microvilli in the respiratory tract are activated, which accelerates the release of mucus from the bronchi.
This drug is a kind of stimulant that helps the production of such a protective factor as surfactant. It is produced in the lungs and helps protect tissue from damage.
The drug in the form of syrup has an anti-inflammatory effect and significantly improves metabolic processes in the lungs.
When taken by children, it stimulates the immune system, as it helps increase the production of interferon.
"Ambroxol" helps antiviral drugs penetrate into the lung tissue - this makes it possible to act like an antibiotic in a targeted manner. Increases the effect of treatment and reduces the duration of therapy.

Side effects

When taking the drug orally, stool disorders occur in rare cases. If you take the drug for a long time and in large quantities, symptoms of gastritis may develop: abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea.

Allergic reactions usually manifest themselves dermatologically, angioedema occurs infrequently, anaphylactic shock occurs in isolated cases.

In rare cases, other side effects occur: weakness and pain in the head, lack of urination, dry mucous membranes.

When quickly administered into a vein, blood pressure decreases, resulting in severe headache, decreased body temperature, shortness of breath, and chills.

"Ambroxol": application

So what symptoms or pathologies does Ambroxol treat? Why is it more effective? The medicine is used for:

All types of bronchitis.
Tracheitis.
Tracheobronchitis.
Pneumonia.
Bronchiectasis.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Bronchial asthma.

This drug is also very effective in treating a rare congenital pathology - cystic fibrosis, as well as inflammation of the paranasal sinuses - sinusitis and sinusitis. In cases where there is thick nasal discharge, taking this medicine is also recommended.

Can Ambroxol be used for inhalation?

A mucolytic expectorant treats cough and clears mucus from the respiratory organs. In severe bronchitis, it is difficult to remove mucus, and the effect of tablets, syrups, and drops for oral administration is ineffective. Inhalations with Ambroxol deliver the medicine directly to pathological areas. The nebulizer sprays the solution into small particles that penetrate into the deep parts of the respiratory system. Within 20 minutes, the active substances are completely absorbed by the tissues of diseased organs. Moreover, their concentration is much higher than when using tablets, capsules, and syrups.

The product is not used for dry cough or mild illness. Do not use a nebulizer for viral, bacterial, fungal infections in the acute stages. You can use a compressor inhaler according to the instructions when:

bronchitis;
pneumonia;
complex tracheitis;
bronchiectasis;
cystic fibrosis;
bronchial asthma.

As part of complex therapy, it is prescribed for complex sinusitis, laryngitis, and pharyngitis.

"Ambroxol" tablets

What does Ambroxol (tablets) help with and who can use it for treatment? This question interests many who come across this cough medicine. Ambroxol tablets should not be used in the treatment of children under 12 years of age. It is very difficult for them to calculate the dosage of the medicine, so for small children it is better to use the drug in the form of syrup. Each tablet contains 30 mg of active ingredient. Take the medicine only after meals and wash it down with 1 glass of water.

It is best to take the drug in tablet form only for adults, and take it according to the following regimen:

The first three days take 1 tablet three times a day.
Afterwards you can reduce the dosage to 2 tablets per day.
The course of treatment ranges from 5 to 14 days.

The duration of taking the drug depends on the severity of the disease. What do adults take Ambroxol (tablets) for?

These tablets help cure bronchitis and prevent mucus from entering the bronchi into the lungs. Relieves inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract, eases exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

What will Ambroxol syrup do? Will it help anyone? Let's look further.

Release form and composition of Ambroxol

The drug Ambroxol is not only intended for children; the product is universal for all ages. For ease of use, the pharmaceutical industry produces several forms of the drug:

lozenges;
effervescent soluble tablets;
lozenges;
syrup;
hard capsules;
extended-release retard capsules;
oral solution;
solution for inhalation, injection and infusion.

For any individual disease it is easy to choose the most suitable form of drug release. As for children, the most popular form is syrup, which is available in different dosages. The undoubted advantage of the syrup is that it has several versions with fruit flavoring fillings, so parents can choose a medicine in accordance with the preferences of their children. Ambroxol syrup contains:

ambroxol hydrochloride (main active ingredient);
sodium benzoate (E211);
propylene glycol;
glycerol;
sodium saccharin;
sorbitol (E420);
hydroxyethylcellulose;
lemon acid;
aromatic additives (raspberry, orange, apricot);
menthol;
water purified from impurities.

For older children (from 12 years of age), adolescents and adults, it is recommended to take Ambroxol tablets (the concentration of the main substance is 30 mg).

"Ambroxol" in the form of syrup

The drug in tablet form is best used by adults and children over 12 years of age. But for young children it is better to prescribe the medicine in syrup form. The drug concentration is 15 mg/5 ml. The dosage is as follows:

Children under two years of age are prescribed 2.5 ml twice a day.
Children from 2 to 5 years old - 2.5 ml three times a day.
Children over 5 years old should take 5 ml syrup three times.

The course of treatment is 5-7 days, but it all depends on the severity of the disease and on the instructions of the attending physician.

Why is Ambroxol (syrup) prescribed to children? From bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma and other diseases associated with inflammatory processes in the child’s respiratory tract.

But the pharmacy very often offers to purchase Ambroxol hydrochloride. What does it help with?

Inhalation with Ambroxol and saline solution proportions

According to the instructions, drops for inhalation must be diluted with saline immediately before use. The proportions are kept 1:1. In this case, a maximum of 5 ml of the prepared solution is allowed to be poured into the nebulizer. If an equal ratio of components cannot be maintained, the drug can be diluted with a smaller amount of saline solution. It is prohibited to use boiled or distilled water.

Ambroxol solution for oral administration and inhalation is sold in glass bottles of 2 ml, 40 ml, 100 ml. When using large-volume vials, the required amount of medication is taken using a sterile syringe. Pour into the nebulizer cup and add saline solution. Unused medicine can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours, but it is better to prepare a new solution each time. There are no exact values in the instructions on how to dilute Ambroxol for inhalation. The optimal option for children is 1:1, adults 2:1.

"Ambroxol hydrochloride": application

The basis of the drug is the substance of the same name - ambroxol hydrochloride, it has a mucolytic effect on the body. Three years ago, this medicine was included in the list of the most important. Within 30 minutes after taking it, it exhibits its healing properties, and the effect lasts for 10 hours.

What are Ambroxol hydrochloride tablets from and how do they differ from regular tablets? This drug is considered a long-acting medicine; it has shown the best results during secretolytic therapy for acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases that are associated with impaired bronchial secretion and weak sputum secretion from them.

Ambroxol - indications for use

Ambroxol for cough is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. The drug is used to treat infection and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. These diseases are often accompanied by the production of viscous sputum, which provokes an annoying, paroxysmal cough. Low productivity of the cough reflex leads to irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa and excessive tension in the abdominal wall muscles in children.

In such cases, Ambroxol will come to the rescue, the indications for use of which are as follows:

bronchitis in acute and chronic forms;
bronchial asthma;
bronchiectasis;
difficulty with sputum discharge.

"Ambroxol": treatment of children and contraindications

"Ambroxol" for what? If you answer this question in simple words that are understandable to every person - from cough, which is the result of inflammatory processes in the bronchi. It is widely used in the treatment of children, all this due to the fact that it does not pose any danger to the child’s body. The medicine is non-toxic and is well tolerated by children. Side effects are very rare but may still occur:

Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Allergic reactions in the form of itching, urticaria and swelling.
Weakness.
Headache.

Before using the drug, especially in children under 1 year of age, you should carefully read what the instructions for Ambroxol prescribe. What does it help with, what side effects can there be?

The instructions say that children under one year of age should use the drug only under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Only a pediatrician will be able to correctly calculate the dose for a child, because each baby has its own weight and its own symptoms of the disease. An open bottle of syrup should be stored at a temperature no higher than 15 degrees and no more than a month. After this period has expired, it is best to throw it away and purchase a new one so as not to harm the child’s health.

Very often the drug is used for prophylactic purposes in premature babies. What does Ambroxol help a newborn baby?

This medication is effective in preventing distress syndrome in a premature infant. It helps stimulate the production of surfactant.

Side effects

Ambroxol is a drug that is well tolerated by patients. The occurrence of undesirable consequences is episodic.

Possible adverse reactions:

dry mouth;
weakness, dizziness, headache;
pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting;
diarrhea or constipation;
allergies - urticaria.

Compliance with the instructions for use of the appropriate drug minimizes the risk of developing these side effects. If undesirable consequences occur, you should consult a doctor for symptomatic treatment of the problem.

Use during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the drug is not prohibited from being used, only in the first trimester it is better to refrain from using it, since there is no reliable clinical data on how it can affect the fetus, so it is better not to take risks and not use it during this period.

Only a doctor can prescribe a drug during pregnancy, who will carefully examine the expectant mother and select the optimal dose for treatment.

You should not take it without the knowledge of the doctor, since in this way the expectant mother can harm the health of her baby.

Special instructions, conditions of sale and storage

It is not recommended to combine Ambrosan cough tablets with other antitussives that thicken and complicate the evacuation of sputum. In case of impaired motility of the bronchial tree and excessive secretion of the mucous component (for example, against the background of malignant ciliary syndrome), tablets are prescribed with extreme caution.

The drug is also prescribed with caution in chronic renal failure with significant impairment of renal function.

Ambrosan tablets are available from pharmacy chains without a prescription. Store the product at a temperature of 10-25 degrees in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Should be kept away from children. The total shelf life is 36 months.

"Ambroxol": contraindications

Ambroxol is an effective drug that is used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia and other diseases associated with the respiratory tract, but, like any other medicine, it also has contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to ambroxol hydrochloride or other components of the drug.
Hereditary disorders of carbohydrate tolerance, since the drug contains lactose.
Duodenal ulcer.
Cramps.

Compound

The active component of the antitussive drug Ambrosan (from the Latin Ambrosan) is ambroxol hydrochloride. 1 tablet contains 30 mg of the component. Excipients that enhance the effect of the antitussive are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, copovidone. Additional components are mainly included in the shell.

The active component ambroxol is a derivative of bromhexine and has a clear evacuation and secretory effect. The mechanism of action is due to the stimulation of glandular cells of the bronchial tree to produce additional secretions.

Note! With its use, the proportions of serous and mucous components of bronchopulmonary sputum are normalized. At the same time, moisture-containing enzymes are activated - the process of hydrolysis.

Reviews about the drug "Ambroxol"

What is the medicine "Ambroxol" for? Who does it help and what reviews do consumers leave about it? Many people ask these questions, but the answers are very simple: during the entire existence of the drug on the market, it has received the maximum number of positive reviews. It is considered one of the best and most effective medicines for cough therapy. The drug not only helps to thin mucus, but also helps cleanse the bronchi in the shortest possible time. It can be prescribed even to infants.

According to mothers, this drug helps well with any type of cough. It has a pleasant taste, so children take it with great pleasure. It is not addictive, and is excellent in treating coughs and when used repeatedly. Its effectiveness is noticeable within a day after the first dose.

Excess of dosage and negative reactions

Overdose of Ambrosan cough tablets is rare due to the sufficient range between therapeutic and intoxicating doses. The instructions for Ambrosan tablets describe the following conditions in case of overdose:

severe dyspepsia;
nausea;
bouts of vomiting;
skin rashes, swelling, redness of the skin.

The drug has a negligible effect on the nervous system even with an overdose. Treatment is symptomatic, aimed at cleansing the body of the drug: enemas, artificial vomiting, lavage of the intestinal tract, antihistamines.

Note! During a long course of the drug, it is possible to decrease the sensitivity of the mucous membranes of the larynx and pharynx, and increase the dryness of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Dryness of the pharyngeal ring rarely develops.

Analogues of "Ambroxol"

Each drug has analogues, and the drug Ambroxol is no exception. Today, the pharmacy can offer you the following drugs: “Ambrobene”, “Ambrolan”, “Bronkhovern” and many others. But the most popular analogue is “Lazolvan”. What is the difference between Lazolvan and Ambroxol?

It is prescribed for these exact symptoms, and its active ingredient is the same - ambroxol hydrochloride. The drug is also available in pharmacies in the form of syrup, tablets, solution for inhalation and injection. There is still a difference between these two drugs - price. The cost of Lazolvan is much higher, but there is no difference in effectiveness. But if it so happens that you did not find Ambroxol in the pharmacy, then, without hesitation, you can easily replace it with Lazolvan, but you will have to pay much more.

Interaction with other drugs

Ambrosan cough tablets have some features when used in parallel with other drugs that must be observed:

Antitussives for productive cough. With simultaneous use, there is a risk of sputum stagnation in the respiratory tract. The thinning effect of Ambrosan contradicts the therapeutic effect of sputum thickening agents.
Penicillin antibiotics, cephalosporins. When used simultaneously with Erythromycin, Doxycillin, Cefuroxime, Amoxicillin, the penetration of antibiotics into bronchial secretions increases.

If the patient’s clinical history is complicated, as well as if it is necessary to use Ambrosan for cough with drugs from other pharmaceutical groups, it is necessary to notify the attending physician.

How it affects the body

Ambroxol is a drug belonging to the clinical group of mucolytic and expectorant drugs. The mechanism of action of the drug consists of a step-by-step effect on various parts of the respiratory organs and the subsequent removal of tracheobronchial secretion. This produces the following results:

The viscous sputum characteristic of a wet cough is significantly liquefied. This effect is achieved due to the effect of Ambroxol on complex proteins - mucopolysaccharides, which are responsible for making mucus viscosity and difficult to separate.
Liquefied mucus begins to leave the respiratory tract.
The activity of the ciliated epithelium, which lines the mucous membranes over the entire surface of the nasal organs and bronchi, increases markedly. Activation of this area facilitates the process of mucus moving into the upper respiratory tract.

Contraindications and side effects

Not every person can use Ambroxol to treat inflammation. Patients with bronchitis who are highly sensitive to the elements in the composition will have to avoid using the medicine. Doctors also do not recommend inhalation for people who suffer from the following diseases:

Kidney diseases. It is known that the kidneys are used to remove the drug from the body. In case of kidney diseases, the organ will not cope with this task, which will lead to side effects.
Liver failure. When the elements of a drug break down in the body, some of them are eliminated by the liver. If this organ is weakened, the process of removing the medicine will be disrupted, which will cause digestive problems.
Ulcer. When Ambroxol penetrates the body, the likelihood of developing internal bleeding in patients with peptic ulcers increases. Therefore, people with ulcers are contraindicated to use this remedy.
Pregnancy. At the initial stage of pregnancy, you cannot use inhaled medicine, as it can harm the fetus. The drug can only be used in the third trimester after prior consultation with a doctor.

Indications and mode of action of the drug

When do doctors prescribe Ambrovix for children? The instructions for use indicate that the composition must be used for difficult to separate sputum and a prolonged cough. The drug is indicated for diseases of the lower respiratory tract.

The medication acts directly on the mucus, which normally forms on the walls of the bronchi and lungs. During illness, this sputum becomes especially voluminous and viscous. The described remedy dilutes this secretion and helps increase its volume. As a result, a person is provoked to cough, during which the accumulated mucus is coughed up.

Analogs

If the use of Ambroxol is not possible, the medicine can be changed to any other drug containing the same active ingredient.

A replacement could be something like this:

Ambrobene. This German drug is available in a wide variety of release forms. Among them are raspberry syrup, a solution that you can drink, and tablets. The medicine is also available in capsules with an extended period of action and in injection form (ampoules with a solution for administration into a vein).
Hemofarm. This Serbian Ambroxol is produced in the form of raspberry syrup and effervescent lemon tablets containing 30 or 60 mg of the active substance.
Lazolvan. This Greek medicine is one of the most popular among Ambroxol analogues. The drug is produced in syrup with a concentration of the active ingredient of 5 ml 15 mg or 30 mg. This medicine tastes like strawberries or wild berries. Lazolvan is also presented as mint lozenges (containing 15 mg of ambroxol), tablets of 30 mg of active ingredient and a solution that can be drunk or used for inhalation.
AmbroHEXAL. This medicine is produced in Germany in the form of a solution (dosed in drops), capsules, tablets and raspberry or apricot syrup.
Halixol. This Hungarian medicine is presented in strawberry-banana syrup containing 30 mg of ambroxol per 10 ml, as well as tablets.
Ambrosan. This Czech drug is produced in tablets, as well as in the form of a solution with a concentration of the active substance of 7.5 mg per milliliter for oral administration.
Flavamed. This medicine from Germany is produced in tablets, as well as in a solution, 5 ml of which contain 15 mg of ambroxol.
Bronchorus. This domestic analogue of Ambroxol is represented by raspberry syrup (each ml contains 3 mg of active substance) and tablets.
Medox. This Slovak drug is available both in tablets and in the form of honey syrup containing 15 mg of ambroxol per 5 ml of the drug.

Safety precautions

To avoid overdose and adverse reactions, you should read the instructions before using inhalation. As a safety precaution, special instructions must be observed:

It is forbidden to use Ambroxol in parallel with antitussive tablets, syrups and lozenges. The drugs inhibit the cough reflex, and phlegm does not come out of the lungs. The therapeutic effect weakens.
Use with caution in patients with a weak expectoration reflex. Mucus accumulates in the bronchi. This will cause bronchial asthma or inflammation of the airways.
The drug enhances the therapeutic effect of antibiotics. Therefore, antibiotics should be abandoned for 5 days of inhalation treatment.
When treated with Ambroxol, it is forbidden to do breathing exercises and play sports.
The procedure is not performed before bedtime, as the expectoration reflex is strengthened.
It is forbidden to mix the solution with alkalis and cromoglycic acid.
When used, it is allowed to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms. The components of the drug do not affect the brain.
Self-medication with Ambroxol is prohibited. This will aggravate the situation and lead to complications. You should contact your doctor immediately.

When using inhalation, you must follow the instructions and recommendations of your doctor. Before performing the procedure on a small child, you should consult a pediatrician. It is not recommended to use inhalation for more than 5 days in a row. Possible side effects and deterioration of health.

Pharmacological properties

The instructions for use of Ambroxol say that this drug is a metabolite of bromhexine and belongs to the group of mucolytic agents, which, when ingested, simplify the process of mucus discharge and produce an expectorant effect.

The medication normalizes the functioning of serous cells of the bronchial mucosa. Increases the concentration of surfactant in the lungs. It has a suppressive effect on cough, which ultimately reduces its frequency. At the same time, it acts as an expectorant, thanks to which it normalizes respiratory dysfunction.

How to use it correctly

To carry out the procedure you will need a nebulizer. It is not recommended to use a steam type device. If the patient cannot inhale air due to severe chest pain, a mask is used. Then the procedure is done in the hospital.

Before use, you should read the instructions. It states that the medicine is diluted with sodium chloride (1:1) to humidify the oxygen entering the lungs. The solution is made before the procedure for one-time use. The resulting mixture is unsuitable for long-term storage. It is prohibited to mix with other saline solutions. The proportions must be strictly observed.

To do inhalation you need:

Warm the substance to basal body temperature (36.6 degrees).
Mix the drug with saline and pour it into the nebulizer compartment.
Sit on a chair and lean your elbows on the back. The procedure is carried out immediately after heating the substance, as its volatility increases.
Inhale air from the nebulizer evenly. The inhalation should be deep and slow. The chest is free and relaxed. Take long, calm breaths for an hour. One breath every 5-7 seconds.

The course of treatment with Ambroxol for inhalation is 5 days. Therapy continues as prescribed by the doctor, if not all the sputum has left the lungs or the positive dynamics of treatment were unnoticed. The dosage of the drug when extending the course is prescribed by the doctor. Before and after the procedure, the patient must be at rest. It is best to lie on your back for 20–30 minutes in silence after inhalation. Talking during the procedure is prohibited. The patient must be calm.

Pregnant women are not recommended to inhale the drug. Ambroxol is prescribed to pregnant girls only with compelling indications and as prescribed by a gynecologist. Special cases include the risk of malnutrition in the unborn child and severe bronchitis. In such a situation, the remedy will help prevent premature birth and remove mucus from the respiratory system.

Ambroxol is approved for children from 2 years of age. It can be used as prescribed by a pediatrician. For a small patient, the dosage and course of treatment are determined individually depending on the severity and form of the disease. The procedure is done using a mask.

For a child, it is better to take a mouthpiece. Thus, the therapeutic effect is achieved faster. An inhalation mask is used when the patient is unable to inhale air on his own due to coughing.

For children 6-12 years old, use a mask or nebulizer. Inhalation is carried out both in the hospital and at home. At the request of the parents.

Efficiency and reviews

Ambroxol is an inexpensive mucolytic medication used by consumers for coughs, which promotes the rapid removal of sputum from the lungs. The vast majority of reviews about it are positive.

The drug is in a price range acceptable to many buyers and has a wide selection of release forms.

Reviews from specialists in the field of pediatrics indicate the possibility of prescribing Ambroxol syrup to infants, since it has a gentle effect on the child’s body without causing any allergic reactions.

For adults, the most effective form of the drug is the use of an injection solution, since in this form Ambroxol begins to act much faster than tablets or inhalations.

At the same time, doctors remind you that you should not self-medicate, so you must purchase and use the medication only as prescribed by your doctor.

Special instructions for use

The mucolytic effect, that is, activation of sputum excretion, increases with the consumption of large quantities of liquid. Therefore, while taking Ambrohexal, it is recommended to drink a lot, preferably water, but juices, tea, etc. are also suitable.

It is advisable that the last session of inhalation therapy be performed at least an hour before bedtime. Eating is possible 1.5 hours before the procedure and the same time after it.

Also, you should not go outside or smoke for an hour after it. If any disturbances or worsening of the condition occur, you should consult a doctor, but increased cough is not a reason to refuse treatment.

Operating principle

Since Ambroxol affects the production of mucus in the bronchial tree, this medicine is classified as a secretolytic (mucolytic). After entering the patient’s body, the drug is almost completely absorbed and transferred to the lung tissue. There, its active substance activates the production of sputum glycoproteins and changes the structure of polysaccharides. As a result, the secretion becomes more liquid, making it easier to cough up.

In addition, Ambroxol has the property of stimulating the motor activity of the respiratory tract. The drug affects the ciliated epithelium, resulting in more active movement of the cilia of these cells. This effect helps the expectorant effect of the medicine. In addition, Ambroxol prevents the breakdown of surfactant in the alveoli and also improves its production.

Application Guide

The instructions for Ambroxol vary depending on the form of release. The product is intended to help with cough, but it should be used carefully, without violating the doctor’s recommendations.

Ambroxol tablets should be taken during meals with a small amount of warm liquid. To achieve a good effect, a minute resorption of the medicine is recommended. Dosage depends on the degree of complexity of the concomitant pathology and the individual health status of each patient.

The mucolytic agent in syrup form is taken orally shortly after meals. The dosage of the medicine depends on the age of the child, his weight and the condition of the body as a whole.

The medication has virtually no contraindications for compatibility with other drugs; it is often prescribed for complex therapy in combination with antibiotics. Ambroxol treats wet and dry coughs; it should not be combined with alcohol.

The drug is a representative of the pharmacological group, so the effects of its use last for a long time.

Drop dosage

This product does not contain sugar. Therefore, it can be used by patients diagnosed with diabetes.

Let's take a look at the dosage instructions for the medication "Ambrosan" (drops):

Infants under 2 years old. Doctors prescribe giving these babies 35 drops (7.5 mg) 2 times a day.
Children 2-6 years old. The dosage is also 35 drops. But you should take the medication three times during the day.
Guys 6-12 years old. At this age, 70 drops (15 mg) should be given. There may be 2-3 doses throughout the day. It depends on the pathology and condition of the child.
Teenagers from 12 years old and adults. It is prescribed to take 140 drops (30 mg) 3 times a day.