Ambroxol syrup - what is it?
Having seen an unfamiliar medicine on the list of prescriptions, parents often wonder what kind of drug Ambroxol is and what it is for. This drug belongs to the expectorant, mucolytic drugs. It has several therapeutic effects on the body:
- secretomotor;
- secretolytic;
- expectorant.
The drug is an indispensable remedy for congestion, which is observed during inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract. It helps to quickly remove phlegm from the lungs and prevent the development of more severe diseases (pneumonia, abscess). This is achieved by normalizing the serous and mucous components of sputum. In addition, the medicine also affects the cilia of the ciliated epithelium. As a result, the outflow of bronchial mucus improves and an expectorant effect is observed.
Ambroxol syrup - composition
Parents are often interested in what is included in Ambroxol syrup and the composition of the drug. It is described in detail in the instructions that come with the medicine. The active ingredient of this medicine is ambroxol hydrochloride. This component of the drug itself has a pronounced mucolytic effect and improves sputum discharge. In addition to it, Ambroxol syrup also contains additional components, including:
- sodium benzoate;
- propylene glycol;
- glycerol;
- sodium saccharin;
- sorbitol;
- citric acid;
- flavoring;
- purified water.
What does Ambroxol syrup treat?
To understand what Ambroxol helps with, you need to pay attention to the properties and features of the drug. The active substances of the drug act on hydrolyzing enzymes and enhance the process of release of lysosomes from Clara cells. As a result, there is a decrease in the viscosity of sputum, which improves its outflow from the respiratory tract.
In parallel, under the influence of Ambroxol, an increase in the activity of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium is observed. This improves mucus transport, which facilitates mucus discharge and reduces coughing. After just a few days of treatment, patients notice an improvement in their well-being and a decrease in coughing attacks.
Release forms
Ambroxol is considered a mucolytic and expectorant drug. The main substance is ambroxol hydrochloride. For 5 milliliters of mixture there are about 15 milligrams of the active ingredient. The medication also includes:
- 2 milligrams benzoic acid;
- 1 milligram of hydroxyethylcellulose;
- 127 milligrams glycerol;
- 250 milligrams of sorbitol;
- 2.5 milligrams raspberry flavor;
- 1 milliliter of purified water.
If you have a cough, the instructions for Ambroxol syrup indicate that the mixture is bottled in dark glass bottles with a volume of 100 milliliters. In addition to the medicine there is a measuring spoon. The price for Ambroxol cough syrup is 80-110 rubles.
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.
Causes and pathogenesis of the disease
There can be many reasons for the occurrence of bronchitis, however, the most common of them are the following:
- Viral or bacterial disease of the respiratory tract. As a result of the interaction of micro- and macroorganisms (virus, bacteria and humans), a typical inflammatory reaction occurs.
- Bronchial asthma or obstructive bronchitis, to put it in the old way. In this case, the inflammation is caused by the action of the allergic component.
- Smoker's bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which occurs as a result of the deposition of any dust (suspended particles) on the inner lining of the bronchial tree. The same inflammation, however, has been developing over many years. As a result, as a result of swelling of the bronchial wall (its mucous membrane), there is a narrowing of the bronchial lumen, the release of a large amount of mucus and a violation of its secretion by ciliated epithelial cells. Naturally, in this case there is a very strong cough - a process of “flooding” of the bronchial tree occurs, but all these cough impulses are ineffective due to the fact that the cells of the ciliated epithelium are not able to function normally. Mucociliary clearance is impaired.
It should be noted that at the very beginning of the disease, there is not a wet cough (accompanied by the discharge of sputum), but a dry cough, which is caused by irritation of the cell wall.
This is why the use of expectorant medications is of key importance in the treatment of this disease.
Ambroxol syrup - contraindications
Like any drug, Ambroxol syrup has a number of contraindications. There are situations where using a product instead of a benefit can be harmful to health. So, expectant mothers often wonder if pregnant women can take Ambroxol syrup. According to the instructions, the drug is contraindicated during pregnancy during the 1st trimester. However, in cases where the predicted risk to the fetus is less than the expected therapeutic effect for the expectant mother, doctors prescribe Ambroxol syrup for children under supervision. Other possible contraindications to the use of the medicine include:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- lactation period;
- fructose intolerance;
- children under 2 years of age.
Ambroxol syrup - side effects
Ambroxol is well tolerated by children. Side effects from its use are rare and in most cases are caused by violation of the rules for taking the medicine, non-compliance with the dosages prescribed by the doctor. Among the main side effects:
- heartburn;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- stomach ache;
- dryness of the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx;
- rash;
- itching, urticaria;
- anaphylactic shock;
- perversion of taste sensations.
How to take Ambroxol syrup?
Before using Ambroxol (syrup) for medicinal purposes, the use of the medicine must be agreed with your doctor. Unauthorized use can lead to side effects and complications. To avoid this, you must follow all medical prescriptions and recommendations received during your visit to a specialist. The drug is taken regardless of food intake. For dosing, use the measuring spoon that comes with the syrup. The medicine must be taken with a sufficient amount of water. In addition, it is important to ensure that you drink enough fluids during the day. This promotes better sputum discharge and increases the effectiveness of Ambroxol.
Ambroxol syrup – dosage
When prescribing Ambroxol, the dosage is calculated taking into account the age of the child. The medicine can be used to treat children over 2 years of age.
For the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases, the following dosages are adhered to:
- When treating children 2–5 years old
- for the first 2-3 days, 2.5 ml of Ambroxol 15 to 3 times a day (22.5 mg of ambroxol hydrochloride per day). After the condition improves and the symptoms disappear, they switch to taking the medication twice (every 12 hours). - Children 6–12 years old
– the first 2-3 days of treatment, 5 ml of Ambroxol syrup (1 dosage spoon). A total of 30–45 mg of medication per day is allowed. After the condition improves, the syrup is given to the child 2 times a day, with an interval of 12 hours.
How long can I take Ambroxol?
In each individual case of treatment with Ambroxol, the use of the drug is specified by the doctor. The specialist individually selects a treatment regimen and sets the duration of therapy.
Without examination by a specialist, the drug should not be used for more than 4-5 days. Also, consultation with a pediatrician is necessary if symptoms do not subside after taking Ambroxol for the specified time. In such situations, it may be necessary to replace it with a product similar in mechanism of action and composition. All this should be carried out exclusively by a doctor.
Reviews about the drug
The price of Ambroxol hydrochloride in tablet form is 80 rubles. The cost of the syrup is within 150 rubles, and the price of the solution for inhalation is 200 rubles.
According to patient reviews, this remedy is quite popular, allowing it to effectively combat respiratory diseases. It normalizes the activity of the respiratory system, thins accumulated mucus and accelerates its elimination.
Reviews of the syrup indicate that this medicine has almost no drawbacks. It helps eliminate unpleasant symptoms of the disease, eliminates inflammation and stimulates the improvement of the immune system.
Before using the drug "Ambroxol", especially for children under 1 year of age, you must first undergo an examination and consult with a doctor and study the instructions, as there may be side effects.
Ambroxol syrup - analogues
In cases where Ambroxol cannot be used, analogues of the drug come to the aid of doctors. There are many drugs with similar active ingredients and mechanisms of action. When the doctor notes the lack of effect from using Ambroxol for children or a reaction to the drug appears, a replacement is made. In this case, the dosage, frequency of administration and duration are calculated again.
Among the many analogues of Ambroxol, the following drugs with a similar composition and therapeutic effect can be distinguished:
- Ambrobene;
- Lazolvan;
- Ambrohexal;
- Halixol;
- Flavamed.
Admission rules
The active properties of ambroxol hydrochloride begin to appear 30 minutes after entering the body. The duration of the therapeutic effect is at least 10 hours. This means that Ambroxol is a long-acting drug. This statement applies equally to tablets, syrup, and other dosage forms.
Ambroxol is a long-acting drug
Taking mucolytics should be accompanied by a large amount of fluid entering the body in the form of clean water, tea, fruit drinks or compotes. When diagnosing bronchial asthma, it is recommended to use Ambroxol before inhaling the drug.
Caution should be exercised when administered intravenously. If the drug enters the body too quickly, the patient experiences a state of chills, frequent fluctuations in body temperature with a predominant increase in indicators, shortness of breath, and increased blood pressure. There are facts when taking Ambroxol tablets or syrup caused severe headaches and a feeling of numbness.
The facts described above indicate that the use of the drug should be as careful as possible. Carefully reading the instructions and following the dosages recommended by the doctor is a guarantee of maintaining the patient’s well-being and the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.
