Ambroxol (Onecof)

Ambroxol (Onecof)

Description

Ambroxol is the active metabolite of Bromhexine and it has a greater bronchosecretolytic effect than Bromhexine. Ambroxol stimulates the serous cells of the glands of the mucous membrane of bronchi, increasing the content of mucus secretion. The mucolytic effect is associated with depolymerization and splitting of mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharide fibres, which leads to reduction in the viscosity of mucus. Expectoration of mucus is facilitated and breathing is eased considerably. Ambroxol stimulates production of phospholipids of surfactant by alveolar cells. Ambroxol has anti-inflammatory properties. In patients with COPD, it improves airway patency. Beside these, Ambroxol also exhibits anti-oxidant activity. Long-term use is possible because of the good tolerability of the preparation.

Indications

Acute and chronic diseases of respiratory tracts associated with viscid mucus

including acute and chronic bronchitis

Productive cough

Inflammatory diseases of Rhinopharyngeal tract (e.g. Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Sinusitis and Rhinitis)          

Asthmatic bronchitis, Bronchial asthma with difficult departure of mucus

Bronchiectasis

Chronic pneumoniaanti-respiratory drug 

 Dosage and Administration

Average daily dose (preferably after meal):

 Side-effects

Gastrointestinal side-effects like epigastric pain, gastric fullness may occur occasionally. Rarely allergic responses such as eruption, urticaria or angioneurotic edema may occur.

 Precautions

Ambroxol should be given cautiously to patients with gastric and duodenal ulceration or convulsive disorders. Patients with hepatic and renal insufficiency should take it with caution.

 Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy: Teratogenic and fetal toxicity studies have shown no harmful effect of Ambroxol. However, it is advised not to use during pregnancy, especially in the 1st trimester.

Lactation: Safety during lactation has not been established yet.

 Contraindications

Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to Ambroxol or Bromhexine.

 Drug Interactions

Ambroxol has no interaction with cardioactive glycosides, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, diuretics and antibiotics (normally used in the treatment of bronchopulmonary affections). But Ambroxol should not be taken simultaneously with antitussives (e.g. Codeine) because mucus, which has been liquefied by Ambroxol, might not be expectorated.

 Commercial Pack

Onecof Syrup: Each PET bottle contains 100 ml syrup and a measuring cup.