Just like acetylcysteine and bromhexine, the active ingredient ambroxol belongs to the group of mucolytics that loosen stuck mucus in the bronchial tubes. Due to its effect, it is primarily used to treat congested coughs. The cough expectorant is considered well tolerated and rarely shows side effects. However, to avoid complications, ambroxol should not be combined with cough suppressants (antitussives) – unless the treatment is on a doctor’s orders. Learn more about the effects, side effects, and dosage of ambroxol here.
Ambroxol helps to treat colds
Ambroxol is used to treat respiratory illnesses that are associated with viscous mucus. These are primarily colds. In addition, however, it is also used for other respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis or COPD. Since ambroxol also has a local anesthetic effect, it is also used in the form of lozenges to treat sore throats. If viruses or bacteria enter the body, increased mucus is produced in the nose and bronchial tubes. Often, the mucus cannot be removed from there quickly enough, but becomes lodged in the bronchial tubes. Ambroxol helps to loosen the tough mucus so that it can be removed more easily. This relieves the cough that occurs. For Ambroxol to work optimally, it is important that you drink enough liquid while taking it. Only then can the secretion be appropriately liquefied by the body. Alternatively, you can also liquefy the mucus by inhaling water vapor.
Side effects of Ambroxol
Ambroxol is generally considered to be well tolerated, so that the occurrence of side effects during intake is rare. In isolated cases, an allergic reaction may occur – in such a case, you should contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately. Also rarely, gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In addition, side effects such as dry mouth, fever with chills and skin reactions such as redness, itching and wheals are also possible.
Dose ambroxol correctly
Ambroxol comes in several dosage forms, including juice, drops, and tablets. The correct dosage of the cough suppressant always depends on the particular dosage form as well as the amount of active ingredient contained in the medication. For cough syrup containing 30 milligrams of ambroxol / 5 milliliters of cough syrup, the following dosage is recommended: Adults as well as children over twelve years of age can take five milliliters three times a day at the beginning. After two to three days, the dose is then reduced to five milliliters twice a day. For younger children, the following dosage should be followed:
- Children 6 to 12 years of age: Two to three times daily 2.5 milliliters of juice.
- Children from 2 to 5 years: Three times a day 1.25 milliliters of juice
- Children under 2 years: Twice daily 1.25 milliliters of juice
Regarding the exact dosage, however, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist or take a look at the package leaflet.
Contraindications
You should not take any medication containing ambroxol if you have a hypersensitivity to the active substance. In addition, the intake is also contraindicated in severe kidney and liver diseases. In these cases, the active substance may only be taken in individual cases and with special caution. In the case of histamine intolerance, Ambroxol should not be used on a long-term basis, and in the case of diseases with a high accumulation of secretions in the bronchial tubes, it should only be used under medical observation. Especially during the first trimester of pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding Ambroxol should be used only if the doctor considers it absolutely necessary. Therefore, always consult your attending physician before taking it. Children under two years of age should also consult their pediatrician before taking it. In general, children under the age of six should only be given juice or drops, as these can easily be dosed appropriately low.
Drug Interactions: Caution with cough suppressants
It is important not to use medications that inhibit cough stimulation – such as codeine – while taking ambroxol. Otherwise, the mucus in the bronchial tubes cannot be coughed up. For this reason, refrain from using cough suppressants, such as those typically used for dry coughs, until the simultaneous use has been agreed with your doctor.When taking antibiotics such as amoxicillin or cefuroxime at the same time, you must bear in mind that they can be better absorbed into the lung tissue. This effect is exploited in some combination preparations that contain a mucolytic in addition to the antibiotic.
