BROX SYRUP
AMBROXO HCL BP
What it does
Ambroxol is a medication that helps relieve cough and mucus buildup in the airways.
Commonly used for: cough and mucus problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:27:01 · updated 2026-08-03 02:13:28
About this medicine
Ambroxol is a medication that helps relieve cough and mucus buildup in the airways.
What it treats
- cough and mucus problems
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- bronchitis
How it works
It works by breaking down mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the lungs.
Who it's for
Ambroxol is suitable for adults and children who have respiratory conditions that cause excessive mucus.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: ambroxo
Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent that facilitates the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract. It is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory conditions associated with excessive mucus production, such as chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and pneumonia. Ambroxol is known for its ability to break down mucopolysaccharides, thereby reducing the viscosity of mucus and promoting its expulsion from the airways.
Indications
- Chronic bronchitis
- Bronchial asthma
- Pneumonia
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Respiratory tract infections with excessive mucus production
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing instructions.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing instructions.
Mechanism of action
Ambroxol acts by stimulating the secretory cells in the respiratory tract, leading to an increase in the production of mucus that is less viscous. It also enhances the activity of cilia, which helps in the clearance of mucus from the airways. The drug has additional local anesthetic properties, which may contribute to its effectiveness in alleviating cough.
Pharmacodynamics
Ambroxol exhibits its mucolytic effect by altering the structure of mucus, which decreases its viscosity and enhances expectoration. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce airway inflammation associated with respiratory conditions. The onset of action is typically observed within a few hours after administration, providing symptomatic relief for patients.
Pharmacokinetics
Ambroxol is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1-3 hours post-dose. It undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver, primarily through glucuronidation and oxidation. The elimination half-life is about 10 hours, and the drug is primarily excreted in the urine as metabolites. It has a volume of distribution that indicates extensive tissue binding, particularly in the lungs.
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions
Interactions
- Caution is advised when used with other cough suppressants
- May interact with medications metabolized by the liver
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney dysfunction
- Should be used under medical supervision in patients with asthma
Pregnancy
Limited data on safety during pregnancy. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Ambroxol is excreted in breast milk. Caution is advised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Oral tablet
- Syrup
- Solution for inhalation
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.