Ambrodil XP Capsule (Acebrophylline)

INTRODUCTION

AMBRODIL XP contains Acebrophylline which belongs to the group of medicines called bronchodilators. It is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma and bronchitis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic progressive inflammatory lung disease caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or cigarette smoking, which results in obstructed airflow from lungs. It is characterized by difficulty in breathing, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic medical condition in which the airway path of the lungs becomes swollen and narrow. Bronchitis is defined as the inflammation of lining of bronchial tubes which results in daily cough and mucus (sputum) production. Acebrophylline has bronchodilating, mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes relaxation of bronchial muscles, reduces mucus secretions and inhibits the production of powerful pro-inflammatory cytokines which results in inflammation.

The most common side effects occur during this medication are transient nausea and dizziness, which is usually reversible. On cessation of therapy, these symptoms tend to disappear within few days. Others are stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation or heart burn. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have severe kidney or liver disease. This medicine should be used with extreme caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking. This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in children unless prescribed by your physician.

USES OF AMBRODIL XP

• Treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Treats bronchial asthma
• Treats bronchitis

HOW AMBRODIL XP WORKS

AMBRODIL XP inhibits the secretions of intracellular phosphodiesterases and increase the levels of cyclic-AMP, leading to the relaxation of bronchial muscles and bronchodilation. It acts as a mucolytic by decreasing the viscosity of secretions and by increasing mucociliary clearance. It also inhibits the production of powerful pro-inflammatory substances like leukotrienes and tumor necrosis factor and reduces inflammation in airways.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take AMBRODIL XP as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, weight and body condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF AMBRODIL XP

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Constipation: 

Eat fibre rich foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the scalp. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better within a week, speak to a doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

• Medicines used to treat infections (e.g. ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, amoxicillin, thiabendazole and doxycycline)
• Medicines used to treat heart problems (e.g. diltiazem, verapamil, frusemide, isoprenaline)
• Allopurinol (used to treat gout)
• Cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers)
• Corticosteroids (used to treat inflammatory disease)
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)