Products
GeloMyrtol is commercially available in the form of enteric-coated soft capsules. It was newly registered in many countries in October 2011, and has been on the market in Germany for years. GeloMyrtol is equivalent to GeloDurant, which was formerly marketed as Sibrovita.
Composition
The capsules contain Myrtol, a distillate of a blend of eucalyptus oil, sweet orange oil, myrtle oil, and lemon oil. Key ingredients include the monoterpenes limonene, cineole and α-pinene.
Effects
GeloMyrtol (ATC R05CA19) is expectorant (mucosecretolytic and secretomotor). It loosens mucus in the airways and promotes expectoration. It is also reported to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant properties. The active ingredients are also excreted through the bronchial mucosa after oral absorption. We cannot comment on the actual efficacy because the studies performed were not systematically assessed.
Indications
Acute and chronic bronchitis and acute and chronic sinusitis in adults and children 4 years of age and older.
Dosage
According to the package insert. GeloMyrtol is taken half an hour before meals with sufficient cold liquid. Do not administer together with hot drinks (e.g., hot tea or coffee).
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in hypersensitivity, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract, and severe liver disease. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
No drug-drug interactions have been reported to date. GeloMyrtol may be taken with other medications and antibiotics.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include indigestion and hypersensitivity reactions. Very rarely, kidney or gallstones have been reported to move.