Mucobrox

Indications

Ambroxol is a mucolytic, a medicine that thins mucus. It is used for coughs with thick, sticky phlegm in chest and airway conditions such as acute and chronic bronchitis, and other lung conditions where phlegm is hard to cough up. Lozenges are used to relieve sore throat pain.

How It Works

Ambroxol makes the mucus in the airways thinner and less sticky and helps the tiny hairs that line the airways move it out, so it is easier to cough up.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults and children over 12 years: usually 30 mg three times a day for the first 2 to 3 days, then 30 mg twice a day. Syrup 15 mg per 5 ml: 10 ml two or three times a day.
• Children 6 to 12 years: 15 mg two or three times a day.
• Children 2 to 5 years: 7.5 mg three times a day.
• Children under 2 years: only as prescribed.

Take after food with a glass of water. Drinking plenty of fluids helps the medicine work.

Interactions

Ambroxol may increase the amount of some antibiotics (such as Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime, Erythromycin and Doxycycline) reaching the lungs, which is not harmful. Avoid using it together with cough suppressants such as Dextromethorphan or Codeine unless a doctor advises, because loosened mucus may not be cleared.

Contraindications

• Allergy to ambroxol, Bromhexine or any ingredient of the product.
• Some syrups contain sugar or sorbitol; check the label if you have diabetes or an inherited sugar intolerance.

Side Effects

Usually well tolerated. Occasionally nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, change in taste, or numbness of the mouth and throat.

Stop taking it and get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a spreading rash with blisters, peeling skin or mouth sores, which can be signs of a rare but serious skin reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not recommended in the first three months of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, use only if a doctor advises. It passes into breast milk, so it is not recommended while breastfeeding unless a doctor advises.

Precautions and Warnings

• Use with care in stomach ulcer, and in serious kidney or liver disease.
• See a doctor if the cough lasts more than 2 weeks, or if there is high fever, blood in the phlegm, chest pain or breathlessness.
• Do not give to children under 2 without medical advice.

Overdose

No serious effects are expected. Too much may cause nausea, stomach upset, diarrhoea or restlessness. Seek medical advice if a large amount has been taken, especially by a child.

Therapeutic Class

Mucolytic (expectorant).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.