Products
In many countries, human medicines with ammonium chloride as the active ingredient are no longer on the market. The salt is an ingredient in Mixtura solvens (Dissolving Mixture PH) and licorice. It used to be included in Bisolvon Linctus syrup along with bromhexine. In some countries, expectorants are available.
Structure and properties
Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl, Mr = 53.5 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder or as colorless crystals and is readily soluble in water. It can be obtained, for example, from hydrochloric acid and ammonia:
- HCl (hydrochloric acid) + NH3 (ammonia) NH4Cl (ammonium chloride)
Effects
Ammonium chloride (ATC G04BA01) causes acidification of urine and lowering of pH. This improves stone solubility. Ammonium chloride also has expectorant and diuretic properties.
Indications
- For acidification of urine and as an adjunct treatment for infections of the urinary tract.
- For the treatment of cough and respiratory diseases with mucus formation.
- Metabolic alkalosis.
Dosage
According to the professional information.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Acidosis
- Gastritis
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers
- Liver or kidney failure
- Hypokalemia
- Children
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions have been described with tricyclic antidepressants and with chloroquine. Urinary acidification may affect drug pharmacokinetics.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include in lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and hyperchloremic acidosis with hyperpnea (deep breathing).
