Albacof

Description

Composition

Each 5 ml contains

Ambroxol Hydrochloride   IP      15 mg.

Terbutaline Sulphate          IP    1.25 mg.

Guiaphenesin                      IP       50 mg.

Menthol                                IP      2.5 mg.

1. Ambroxol Hydrochloride

What is Ambroxol?

Ambroxol is a clinically proven systemically active mucolytic agent. When administered orally onset of action occurs after about 30 minutes. The breakdown of acid mucopolysaccharide fibers makes the sputum thinner and less viscous and therefore more easily removed by coughing. Although sputum volume eventually decreases, its viscosity remains low for as long as treatment is maintained.

Ambroxol Indications

All forms of tracheobronchitis, emphysema with bronchitis pneumoconiosis, chronic inflammatory pulmonary conditions, bronchiectasis, bronchitis with bronchospasm asthma. During acute exacerbations of bronchitis it should be given with the appropriate antibiotic.

Ambroxol Contraindications

There are no absolute contraindications but in patients with gastric ulceration relative caution should be observed.

Ambroxol Side effects

Occasional gastrointestinal side effects may occur but these are normally mild.

Precautions

It is advisable to avoid use during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Ambroxol Dosage

Adults: daily dose of 30 mg (one Ambroxol tablet ) to 120 mg (4 Ambroxol tablets) taken in 2 to 3 divided doses

Children up to 2 years: half a teaspoonful Ambroxol syrup twice daily

Children 2 – 5 years: half a teaspoonful Ambroxol syrup 3 times daily

Children over 5 years: One teaspoonful Ambroxol syrup 2-3 times daily.

1. Terbutaline Sulphate

What is Terbutaline Sulphate

Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily.

Terbutaline  Indications

Terbutaline is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath from lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and emphysema). Controlling these symptoms can decrease time lost from work or school. 

Terbutaline Contraindications

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Side Effects

Nervousness, shaking (tremor), dizziness, drowsiness or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, muscle cramps, weakness.

Terbutaline Precautions

Before taking terbutaline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Terbutaline Dosage:

Oral: 2.5 to 5 mg orally three times a day, at approximately six-hour intervals
Maximum dose: 15 mg within 24 hours.

1. Guaiphenesin

What is Guaiphenesin 

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier

Guaiphenesin  Indications

Guaifenesin is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you.

Guaiphenesin Contraindications

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

Guaiphenesin Side Effects

Nausea or vomiting may occur. If either of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Guaiphenesin Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, smoker’s cough), cough with blood or large amounts of mucus.

Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely

Guaiphenesin  Dosase

Adult

100-400 mg orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 2.4 g/day

Pediatric

Children 6 months to 2 years: 25-50 mg every 4 hours; not to exceed 300 mg/day

Children 2-6 years: 50-100 mg orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 600 mg/day

Children 6-12 years: 100-200 mg orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 1.2 g/day

Children older than 12 years

1. Menthol

Menthol is essentially an organic compound that can be used as an additive in many drugs to relieve excessive coughing and sore throat. It is known to be a muscle relaxant, has cooling properties and helps to reduce spasms.

Additionally, it is also used as an analgesic to treat problems like headaches, sprains and other such minor pains. The mechanism of action of is based on activation of the TRPM8 receptors in the skin. These receptors are cold sensitive and their stimulation is the cause of the cooling effect experienced on use of Menthol.

Apart from this by promoting the action of the kappa opioid receptors helps to provide pain relief and hence is used as an analgesic sometimes. Possible side effects from the use of menthol are allergic reactions, swelling of face, throat disorder, nausea, and exhaustion and stomach pain. These side effects may or may not manifest depending on the medical condition of the person using.

Taking with alcohol does not cause any major issues normally apart from excessive drowsiness. Usage of the medicine during pregnancy should be done only after consultation with a qualified doctor as can cause complications in some cases.

Additionally, you should also consult a doctor regarding usage of when you are taking drugs like anisindione, warfarin, dicumarol, etc. which can interact with menthol to cause severe complications.