Acetylcysteine+ambroxol
About
Acetylcysteine+ambroxol belongs to the class of drugs called 'mucolytic agents' (cough/sputum thinner), primarily used to prevent and treat symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), such as coughing, wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), and shortness of breath. COPD is a group of lung diseases that mainly include emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes).
Acetylcysteine+ambroxol consists of two mucolytic agents: Acetylcysteine and Ambroxol. Acetylcysteine+ambroxol works by thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in lungs, windpipe and nasal passage. Ambroxol is also an 'expectorant' that promotes the secretion of sputum/cough by air passages. Thus, Acetylcysteine+ambroxol makes sputum less viscous and promotes easier breathing.
Take Acetylcysteine+ambroxol as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage and duration will be suggested by your doctor based on your medical condition. Some people may experience common side effects like nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, stomach pain, and fever. These side effects, if occurred, generally go away during the treatment. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Acetylcysteine+ambroxol or other medicines. It is mandatory to inform your doctor if you have any heart, liver, or kidney diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ulcers, asthma, and diabetes before taking Acetylcysteine+ambroxol. Acetylcysteine+ambroxol is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Acetylcysteine+ambroxol is not recommended in children below 14 years of age. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while using Acetylcysteine+ambroxol to prevent any unwanted effects.
Uses of Acetylcysteine+ambroxol
Medicinal Benefits
Acetylcysteine+ambroxol is a combination of two respiratory medications that contains Acetylcysteine and Ambroxol. It prevents and treats symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Acetylcysteine and Ambroxol are mucolytic agents that help in thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in lungs, windpipe and nose to cough out easily and provide relief from respiratory problems like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Ambroxol is also an expectorant that promotion the secretion of sputum by the air passages. In its injection form, acetylcysteine works as an antidote in paracetamol overdose and restores the body's glutathione (antioxidant produced in cells), a chemical that eliminates toxic substances from the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Acetylcysteine+ambroxol
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Fever
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to medicines. Please inform your doctor if you have heart, liver, kidney diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ulcers, asthma, and diabetes before taking Acetylcysteine+ambroxol. Ambroxol in Acetylcysteine+ambroxol disrupts the gastro mucosal barrier; hence Acetylcysteine+ambroxol should be cautiously administered in patients with a stomach ulcer. It is advised to avoid Acetylcysteine+ambroxol during pregnancy to prevent any harmful effects on the foetus. Acetylcysteine+ambroxol can be excreted into breast milk. Hence, it is not recommended to use Acetylcysteine+ambroxol during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid consuming alcohol with Acetylcysteine+ambroxol as it could lead to any unwanted effects. Acetylcysteine+ambroxol is not recommended for children less than 14 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Acetylcysteine+ambroxol may interact with antibiotics (cefalexin, cefuroxime, cefadroxil, cefaclor, ceftriaxone), and angina-treating drugs (glyceryl trinitrate or nitroglycerin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit alcohol and caffeine intake while using Acetylcysteine+ambroxol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Acetylcysteine+ambroxol should be administered with caution in patients with heart, liver, and kidney diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ulcers, asthma, and diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to avoid or limit consuming alcohol while using Acetylcysteine+ambroxol to prevent any unwanted effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeAcetylcysteine+ambroxol may be unsafe and is not recommended during pregnancy. However, please consult your doctor before using Acetylcysteine+ambroxol, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAcetylcysteine+ambroxol is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before starting Acetylcysteine+ambroxol if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that may affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionAcetylcysteine+ambroxol should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Acetylcysteine+ambroxol.
Kidney
cautionAcetylcysteine+ambroxol should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of renal impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Acetylcysteine+ambroxol.
Children
unsafeAcetylcysteine+ambroxol is not recommended for children less than 14 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take the medication as directed by the doctor and at regular intervals. Do not use other over the counter medications, herbal or vitamin supplements without informing your pharmacist or doctor when you take Acetylcysteine+ambroxol.
- Know your triggers like allergens, such as pollen, dust, and food items that make your asthma and other respiratory diseases severe.
- Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking. Smoking may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Drink warm fluids while you take Acetylcysteine+ambroxol to help loosen congestion and lubricate the throat.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol with Acetylcysteine+ambroxol as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Acetylcysteine+ambroxol does not relieve sudden asthma symptoms, so it is advised always to carry a rescue inhaler to treat sudden asthma symptoms.
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. The most common COPD are emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis. Chronic Bronchitis: A lung disease associated with inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Coughing occurs as a reflex action in the throat when there is mucus or any other foreign irritant in it.
FAQs
Acetylcysteine+ambroxol consists of mucolytic agents, Acetylcysteine and Ambroxol. Acetylcysteine+ambroxol works by thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in lungs, windpipe and nose. Collectively, Acetylcysteine+ambroxol helps relieve respiratory disease associated symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Acetylcysteine+ambroxol should preferably be used after taking your meal to avoid any gastrointestinal side effects. Please follow your doctor's advice on how you should use this medicine.
You are not recommended to stop taking Acetylcysteine+ambroxol without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Acetylcysteine+ambroxol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Acetylcysteine+ambroxol, please consult your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Inform your doctor before taking Acetylcysteine+ambroxol, if you have any heart, liver or kidney diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ulcer, asthma, and diabetes.
