ambroxol/salbutamol

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

ambroxol is a mucolytic agent that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear from the respiratory tract.   

salbutamol is a bronchodilator, which works to relax and open the airways in the respiratory system. This is done by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchioles, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Headache 

Palpitations 

Tremors 

Muscle cramp 

Throat irritation 

Respiratory tract infection 

Respiratory tract inflammation 

Arrhythmia  

Nausea 

Dizziness 

Nervousness  

Weakness  

Irritability 

Drowsiness 

Flushing 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• ambroxol/salbutamol should not be used if an individual has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any of its components. 

Caution: 

• ambroxol should be used with caution in individuals with severe liver or kidney impairment. 
• salbutamol should be used with caution in individuals with underlying heart conditions such as arrhythmias and coronary artery disease. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

ambroxol is a mucolytic agent. It works by increasing the production of surfactant in the respiratory tract, which helps to reduce the surface tension of mucus, making it less viscous and easier to clear. 

salbutamol is a bronchodilator and a beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It works by binding beta-2 adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle cells of the bronchioles. 

Pharmacodynamics 

ambroxol promotes the activity of cilia, which are tiny, hair-like structures lining the respiratory tract. This increased ciliary movement helps transport mucus out of the airways, facilitating its clearance. 

salbutamol also inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from cells involved in the inflammatory response, which can further contribute to the reduction of airway inflammation. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

ambroxol/salbutamol both are well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

ambroxol/salbutamol both distributed throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

ambroxol/salbutamol both metabolized primarily in the liver. 

Elimination and excretion 

ambroxol/salbutamol both excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

ambroxol/salbutamol is a combination drug which is taken orally, and it is available in tablet and syrup form. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ambroxol/salbutamol 

Why do we use ambroxol/salbutamol? 

ambroxol/salbutamol is a combination drug used in cough associated with bronchitis, bronchial asthma, emphysema, and other bronchopulmonary disorders. ambroxol/salbutamol is also used to thin and loose mucus in the nose, windpipe and lungs making it easier to cough out.