Mucolytics and Expectorants
- What is it for
Mucolytics and expectorants are a group of medications that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, helping to clear chest congestion thus making breathing easier. Common examples of expectorants include guaifenesin and ammonium chloride combined with diphenhydramine. Common examples of mucolytics are acetylcysteine, bromhexine, ambroxol and carbocisteine.
Mucolytics and Expectorants
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Mucolytics and Expectorants
cause?
- Some expectorants may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- Avoid driving, operating machinery or other activities which require concentration if affected.
- Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- These effects are usually mild and will pass quickly.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Before taking
Mucolytics and Expectorants
, what precautions must I follow?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have existing conditions such as gastric ulcers, liver or kidney problems and lung conditions e.g. Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) or severe uncontrolled asthma
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
What food or medicine must I avoid when I take
Mucolytics and Expectorants
?
Do let your healthcare professional know if you are taking or if you are planning to take other medications, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Mucolytics and Expectorants
- Dosage and How to Use
How should
Mucolytics and Expectorants
be used?
- Take the medications as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional if you are not sure how to take the medication correctly.
- Some of this medication should be taken after food e.g. Ambroxol. Others such as acetylcysteine and bromhexine may be taken with or without food.
- For syrups, shake the bottle well before use.
- For effervescent tablets and sachets, dissolve one tablet or the recommended number of sachets in at least half a cup of water
- If your symptoms persist or worsen after one week of taking the expectorants or mucolytics, talk to your healthcare professional.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
Mucolytics and Expectorants
- Storage
How should I store
Mucolytics and Expectorants
?
How should I dispose of
Mucolytics and Expectorants
safely?
Pack mucolytics and expectorants into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Mucolytics and Expectorants
- Additional Information
Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:
- Cough with thick yellow or green phlegm or mucus, or blood
- Fever more than 38.6⁰C
- Unintended weight loss
- Drenching night sweats
- Cough lasting for longer than 3-4 weeks
- Development of new symptoms during self-treatment
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
