Description
Ambroxol Pharmacodynamics
Ambroxol has secretomotor, secretolytic and expectorant action: it stimulates serous glands cells of bronchial mucosa, increases the content of mucous secretion and release of surfactant (surfactant) in the alveoli and bronchi; it normalizes the disturbed ratio of serous and mucous components of sputum. By activating hydrolyzing enzymes and increasing the release of lysosomes from the clara cells, it reduces the viscosity of sputum. Increases motor activity of the cilia of the atopic epithelium. Increases motor activity of the atopic epithelium, increases mucociliary transport, facilitates expulsion of sputum from the airways.
Indications
Acute and chronic respiratory tract diseases with formation of viscous sputum: acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma with sputum retention, bronchiectatic disease.
Contraindications .
Hypersensitivity to ambroxol or other components of the drug, pregnancy (I trimester), breast-feeding.
With caution:
Impaired bronchial motor function and increased sputum formation (in immobile cilia syndrome), gastric and 12 duodenal ulcer during exacerbation, pregnancy (II-III trimester).
Patients with impaired renal function or severe liver disease should take ambroxol with special caution, observing long intervals between doses of the drug or taking the drug in a smaller dose.
Pregnancy and lactation:
The drug is contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy. If it is necessary to use ambroxol in II-III trimesters of pregnancy, the potential benefit to the mother with a possible risk to the fetus should be evaluated.
It is contraindicated during breastfeeding as the drug is excreted with breast milk.
Directions for use and dosages
- The mucolytic effect of the drug appears when taking a large amount of fluid. Therefore, during treatment it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids.
- Oral administration:
The drug is used internally after meals, adding it to water, tea, milk or fruit juice.
Adults and children over 12 years of age: the first 2-3 days – 4 ml 3 times a day (corresponding to 90 mg ambroxol daily), then 4 ml 2 times a day (corresponding to 60 mg ambroxol daily); - Children from 6 to 12 years of age: 2 ml 2-3 times a day (corresponding to 30 or 45 mg ambroxol daily);
- Children from 2 to 6 years of age: 1 ml 3 times a day (corresponding to 22.5 mg ambroxol daily);
- Children under 2 years of age: 1 ml 2 times a day (corresponding to 15 mg ambroxol per day).
- For children under 2 years of age, the drug is prescribed only under a physician’s supervision.
- The maximum daily dose when taken orally is 90 mg for adults, 45 mg for children 6-12 years old, 22.5 mg for children 2-6 years old and 15 mg for children under 2 years old.
Application in the form of inhalation:
The drug may be used with any modern equipment for inhalation (except steam inhalers). Before inhalation, the drug is mixed with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (for optimal air moistening – in 1:1 ratio). Before inhalation it is recommended to warm the inhalation solution to body temperature. - Since deep inhalation therapy may provoke coughing, inhalation should be carried out in normal breathing mode. Patients with bronchial asthma are recommended to inhale after taking bronchodilators to avoid nonspecific irritation of the airways and their spasm.
- Dosages for inhalation:
Adults and children over 6 years of age: 1 – 2 inhalations per day with 2-3 ml of the solution (which corresponds to 15-45 mg ambroxol per day).
Children under 6 years of age: 1-2 inhalations per day with 2 ml of solution (corresponding to 15-30 mg ambroxol per day).
Administration of the drug for more than 4-5 days is possible only upon doctor’s recommendation.
