Ambroxol is a medicine to relieve cough with phlegm caused by several conditions, such as bronchitis or emphysema. In conditions of cough with phlegm caused by a bacterial infection, the use of ambroxol can be combined with antibiotics.
Ambroxol is a mucolytic or phlegm thinner that works to break down mucopolysaccharide acid fibers, so that phlegm becomes thinner and easier to expel when coughing. This drug is available in tablet and syrup form.
Ambroxol trademark: Ambroxol HCL, Erlapect, Etabroxol, Imbroxol, Mucos, Mucobat, Nuvopec, Selebrox, Zecaxol
What is Ambroxol
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Mucolytic (phlegm thinner) |
| Benefit | Relieves cough with phlegm |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Ambroxol for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not categorized. Ambroxol can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and syrup |
Warnings Before Taking Ambroxol
Ambroxol should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Note the following points before taking ambroxol:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Ambroxol should not be given to patients who are allergic to it.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or special respiratory disorders, such as ciliary dyskinesia.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects or overdose after taking ambroxol.
Dosage and Rules for Use Ambroxol
The dose of ambroxol will be determined by the doctor according to the condition and age of the patient. In general, the following is the dosage of ambroxol to relieve cough with phlegm, according to the patient's age:
- Mature: 30 mg, 2-3 times daily. The dose can be increased up to 60 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children 6 months old: 3 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children aged 7 months to 1 year: 6 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children aged 1–2 years: 7.5 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children aged 2–5 years: 7.5 mg, 3 times a day.
- Children aged 6–11 years: 15 mg, 2-3 times daily.
How to Take Ambroxol Correctly
Take ambroxol as directed by your doctor and read the instructions on the medicine package. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Ambroxol is taken after meals, drinking a glass of water to help swallow the medicine. If you forget to take ambroxol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose of ambroxol to make up for the missed dose.
Store ambroxol in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Ambroxol Interactions with Other Drugs
If ambroxol is used with certain antibiotics, such as cefuroxime, doxycyclin, or erythromycin, there can be an increase in the levels of these antibiotics in the body.
Always consult your doctor if you plan to take ambroxol with any medications, supplements or herbal products.
Ambroxol Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can arise after taking the drug ambroxol, namely:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Dry mouth or throat
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug after taking ambroxol.