Ambroxol: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Ambroxol is a mucolytic: it helps thin sticky mucus in the airways so that it is easier to cough up. It is used in some chest conditions in which mucus is a problem. It does not treat the cause of a cough. Rare severe allergic and skin reactions have been reported, and a rash means the medicine should be stopped and a doctor seen.
Also known as: Ambroxol hydrochloride, Ambroxol tablets, Ambroxol 30 mg
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Ambroxol work?
Ambroxol makes airway mucus thinner and less sticky, so it moves out of the airways more easily when you cough.
How to take Ambroxol
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Tablets are swallowed with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about use in children.
Side effects of Ambroxol
Ambroxol is usually well tolerated, but some effects need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Nausea or an upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Changes in taste
- Numb feeling in the mouth or throat
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- A skin rash that spreads, blisters or peeling skin. Stop the medicine and see a doctor at once
- Fever with sore mouth or eyes
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before using ambroxol, or need extra care while using it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to ambroxol or any ingredient
- A cough that lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with fever, chest pain, breathlessness or blood in the phlegm, needs a doctor
- Stop and see a doctor if a skin rash appears
- Stomach or duodenal ulcer
- Kidney or liver disease
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor before use
- Children: ask a doctor or pharmacist; do not give cough medicines to young children without advice
Medicines and things that interact with Ambroxol
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including other cough and cold products.
- Cough suppressants: they can stop mucus being cleared and are generally avoided with it
- Other cough and cold products: they can contain the same medicine, so check labels
If someone takes too much
Taking much more than advised may cause nausea, vomiting and stomach upset. If someone has taken a lot more than advised, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. The schedule should be confirmed on the pack. Single-ingredient ambroxol was not found to be on the CDSCO list of banned medicines in this check, but fixed-dose cough and cold combinations can be, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Ambroxol belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Ambroxol
These medicines sold in India contain Ambroxol. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Ambrodil · 30 mg tablet
What is Ambroxol used for?
Medicines that contain Ambroxol are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Ambroxol.
Common questions
What is ambroxol used for?
It is used to thin thick, sticky mucus in some chest and airway conditions, so it is easier to cough up. A doctor or pharmacist can advise whether it suits you.
Does ambroxol stop a cough?
No. It thins mucus so you can cough it up; it is not a cough suppressant. A cough lasting more than three weeks, or with breathlessness or chest pain, needs a doctor.
What should I do if I get a rash?
Stop taking it and see a doctor. Rare severe allergic and skin reactions have been reported with ambroxol. Get urgent help for swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing.
Is Ambrodil the same as ambroxol?
Ambrodil is a brand name for medicines containing ambroxol. Some Ambrodil products also contain other medicines, so check the strength and ingredients on the pack.
Sources
- Ambroxol and bromhexine containing medicines. European Medicines Agency
- Cough. NHS (UK)