Ambrobene for inhalation for children and adults
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Inhalation is one of the oldest medical procedures used to combat unproductive or unproductive cough. Inhaling the smallest particles of a healing composition, a person thereby delivers it directly to the site of inflammation: in the larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs. If the purpose of the procedure is to convert dry cough into a productive wet one, mucolytics should be chosen as the basis for the aerosol. Doctors pursue such a goal by prescribing the mucolytic drug Ambrobene for inhalation to adults and children.
A little about the drug itself
Ambrobene is a German analogue of the popular drug Ambroxol hydrochloride, available in various forms. One form of release is a solution that can be taken orally or used for inhalation.
The drug belongs to the group of mucolytic agents that promote liquefaction of sputum by stimulating the production of enzymes that break the chemical bonds between the molecules of bronchial and pulmonary secretions. In this regard, Ambroxol and its analogue Ambrobene occupy a well-deserved first place, therefore, doctors prescribe them most often when it is necessary to make sputum more fluid to facilitate its elimination (for example, to prevent stagnation in fractures of the ribs, when even a weak cough causes severe pain). [1] Improves lung function, inhibits cell apoptosis and activation of the NF-κB pathway. [2]
There is another group of mucoactive drugs - mucokinetics. They stimulate the activity of mucociliary clearance - nonspecific protection against infections and allergens in the form of mucus production for their excretion, and reduce bronchial resistance when coughing. So, “Ambrobene” revealed the properties of both mucolytics and mucokinetics, which explains the high effectiveness and popularity of the drug.
Ambroxol increases the amount of secretion secreted by both the bronchi and lungs (sulfactant), which helps to optimize the rheological properties of sputum. It becomes more fluid, can be excreted in small portions, does not adhere to the walls of the respiratory tract. All this, combined with a low resistance of the bronchi, leads to an increase in sputum volume and a noticeable relief of coughing.
Using “Ambrobene” for inhalation, you can get even more powerful effect, because during the procedure not only microparticles of the drug, but also water molecules that moisturize the mucous membrane and additionally dilute sputum get into the airways.
Another argument in favor of Ambrobene inhalations is the scientifically proven effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of infectious diseases. Ambroxol is not an antibiotic, therefore, it can not destroy the causative agents of the disease or somehow affect their activity. But to reduce the adhesion (adhesion to the mucosa) of most bacteria that cause inflammatory diseases of the lower respiratory tract, they can do it. The use of Ambrobene in diseases caused by pathogens of influenza and pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, increases the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy and reduces the dose of drugs.
Ambrobene does not cause bronchospasm, which is very important during inhalations, it has a certain anti-edematous and immunomodulating effect, which makes it possible to use it both for the treatment of colds, and in the treatment of pathologies in which the allergic status plays an important role (for example, bronchial asthma).
Resorption tablets containing 20 mg or 30 mg of Ambroxol hydrochloride have a beneficial analgesic effect in patients with acute sore throat. [3]
Indications for the procedure
Many colds are accompanied by coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. And all because when exposed to the respiratory tract of infectious or other irritating factors, inflammation occurs in them. Thus, the immune system tries to get rid of foreign substances that penetrate the nasopharynx, larynx and the underlying respiratory organs.
To make this process more efficient, the secretory glands of the respiratory system secrete a special transparent semi-fluid secret that captures microparticles (dust, microbes and their metabolic products) and helps them leave the airways.
Any respiratory disease of a viral, bacterial, fungal and allergic origin is accompanied by inflammation and secretion of bronchial secretions (another thing is that the activity of this process can be different). First, redness, swelling and discomfort as a result of irritation of the mucosa appear, and then other symptoms: cough, runny nose, fever.
Nasal congestion and dry cough are common symptoms of the initial stage of the disease, which do not contribute to healing due to their unproductive performance. While sputum does not stand out, it is not necessary to count on removing a source of irritation that settles on the epithelium of the mucosa.
The main objective of treatment during this period is to increase the activity of the secretory glands and facilitate the removal of sputum from the nose and throat. For this purpose, mucolytics are used - drugs that increase secretion by the special glands of the respiratory system, make sputum less viscous and contribute to its removal from the respiratory tract. The German drug Ambrobene based on Ambroxol hydrochloride, an effective agent used in therapy and pulmonology, also belongs to the category of mucolytics.
Inhalations have a local therapeutic effect on the respiratory system and contribute to the effective hydration of the mucosa, which facilitates the patient's condition (there is no drying out of the throat, which causes a useless reflex cough).
The use of Ambrobene for inhalation is justified in case of the following diseases:
- ARVI of any localization:
- rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa)
- pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa),
- laryngitis (inflammation of the laryngeal membranes),
- tracheitis (inflammation of the membranes of the trachea).
- Exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases, accompanied by nasal congestion and cough.
- Bacterial and fungal diseases of the central and lower respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy).
- Bronchiectatic disease.
- Pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Cystic fibrosis, which affects the respiratory tract and is complicated by an unproductive cough.
- Bronchial asthma (with exacerbations).
Moreover, given the properties of the drug as a mucolytic and mukokinetics, doctors prescribe inhalation with Ambrobene with a dry and unproductive wet cough. Otherwise, stimulation of sputum production with a weak cough reflex can provoke obstruction (obstruction) of the bronchi.
Inhalations are usually prescribed at the very beginning of acute diseases or with exacerbation of chronic ones. With a residual cough, when the acute symptoms have already disappeared and the pathogen has been deactivated with the appropriate drugs, the use of inhalations with mucolytics is not justified.
Preparation
An effective treatment procedure called inhalation can be carried out in various ways. Inhalation of salty air on the sea coast or in a specially equipped salt room can be attributed to natural inhalations. Vigil over a pan with a decoction of potatoes, soda solution, herbal infusion or hot water with a drop of essential oil - gradually forcing violent alternative methods that, of course, help, but not always where you need it. In addition, with the ineffectiveness of the formulations used, it is not always possible to replace them with drugs, because high temperature reduces the therapeutic effect of most drugs.
It is possible to direct drugs into the respiratory tract so that their particles settle precisely in the focus of inflammation using a cold inhaler (compressor or ultrasonic nebulizer) or steam heating the aerosol to 40-42 degrees. The Ambrobene solution does not contain suspended particles and oils, is not destroyed by ultrasound and the indicated temperatures, therefore it can be used in any type of nebulizer.
If the choice is made in favor of the Ambrobene treatment, then for inhalations it is necessary to choose a nebulizer, and not a saucepan with hot water. But when choosing an inhaler, you need to take into account the localization of the inflammatory process. Steam inhalers are capable of producing insufficiently small aerosol particles so that they can penetrate into the lower respiratory tract, so they are used to treat acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma. For pleurisy and lung diseases, smaller particles are required, which can be obtained using ultrasonic and compressor nebulizers. Modern mesh nebulizers allow you to adjust the particle size, therefore, are considered universal for the treatment of respiratory diseases, regardless of the location of the lesion.
Having chosen the right nebulizer correctly, we should not forget that the Ambrobene drug is available in different forms, but not all of them are suitable for inhalation procedures. What “Ambrobene” is used for inhalation? The best option is a solution for internal use, which is also used for inhalation, as indicated in the instructions for the drug, where the rules for preparing the inhalation composition are also described. An intravenous solution is usually used only in a hospital setting, so it makes no sense to buy it for inhalation procedures, and then calculate a safe dose.
But it is customary for us to cough, especially for children, to buy not a solution, but a syrup. It is this form that usually is at hand for everyone, so the question is of particular interest, is it possible to use Ambrobene syrup for inhalation?
In addition to the active substance and purified water, Ambroxol syrup also contains sweeteners and flavorings that, if they get into the respiratory tract, can be additional irritants. Such inhalations can do more harm than good. It is generally forbidden to use syrups in nebulizers, since this can ruin an expensive device. Therefore, for a truly effective and safe procedure, it is worth purchasing the recommended Ambrobene form in the form of a solution for inhalation with a nebulizer and oral administration.
In principle, preparation for inhalation in modern conditions is limited by the choice of a nebulizer and a suitable form of the prescribed drug. Next, you need to prepare the inhaler for work. First you need to check the purity of the device, especially the parts that are in direct contact with the medicinal composition and skin of the patient. If necessary, treat individual parts of the device with an antiseptic, rinse and dry. Now it remains to fill the nebulizer tank with the prepared solution, dilute it in the recommended proportions with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (there are other options), finish the assembly of the device and check the quality of its work.
Immediately before the procedure, put on a mask, mouthpiece or a special nasal nozzle. Be sure to explain to the patient how to behave and how to breathe correctly. In diseases of the nasopharynx, inhalation is done through the nose, and exhalation through the mouth. For the treatment of central and lower respiratory tract, such a scheme is not suitable. In this case, inhalation must be done through the mouth, breathing should be even and deep enough.
Solution preparation
The solution (drops) for inhalation of Ambrobene, according to the instructions for use of the drug, does not contain alcohol, sugar, or oils that could irritate the throat or cause allergic reactions. Such a solution is safe for the nebulizer, even if it is poured in its pure form.
Although inhalation with Ambrobene without saline is not prohibited, it is only important to consider the maximum allowable daily dose when calculating the multiplicity of the procedure. Still, 1 ml of the drug contains 7.5 mg of ambroxol, and the inhalation solution for adults should ideally have a volume of 4 ml, so that for one inhalation 30 mg of the active substance enters the body. This means that no more than 2-3 inhalations can be carried out per day, taking into account the fact that the matter is usually not limited to inhalations alone.
Inhalations with undiluted Ambroxol, of course, have a therapeutic effect, but if it comes to a dry, painful cough that irritates the throat, then the procedure itself is called into question. During inhalation, you need to breathe evenly, which is impossible when the patient is choked by a cough. After all, the particles of the drug itself can already act as an irritant in conditions of insufficiently humidified air in the nebulizer.
Moisture, which is present in purified and mineral water, sodium chloride solution, helps to cough by moisturizing the inflamed mucosa, which, like Ambrobene, is often used in inhalation formulations. Ambrobene drops can be diluted with the same liquids for oral administration and inhalation. Then the procedure goes without complications, and coughing attacks quite quickly reduce their intensity, and a person can breathe normally during inhalation.
It must be said that purified water is not very popular in medical procedures. Both doctors and manufacturers of drugs for inhalation therapy insist on diluting the medicinal formulations with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (saline solution), which in its composition approaches the blood plasma, i.e. In relation to the body, it is neutral.
But knowing only what can be used for the procedure is not enough, you need to know how to breed Ambrobene for inhalation. This process cannot be called hard science, especially considering that both the capacity of the nebulizers and the cap of the drug have a measured scale, on which you can control the total volume and measure the amount of each component.
The prepared Ambrobene solution for inhalation for adults should have a volume of 4 ml, regardless of what we dilute the drug with. At the same time, doctors recommend as an optimal solution in which the drug is half the volume. So, "Ambrobene" with saline for inhalation is taken in equal quantities (2 ml), then the total volume will be 4 ml. According to the instructions, adult patients can use 2-3 ml of the drug for one procedure, diluting it with the same amount of 9% sodium chloride solution (total volume 4-6 ml).
Saline is an inexpensive sterile drug that can be purchased in pharmacies in ampoules of 5-10 ml. But if this is not possible, for inhalation, you can use purified water (doctors categorically do not recommend tap water because of its dubious composition) or “mineral water”.
Among the mineral water, sodium bicarbonate water with a mild effect “Borjomi”, which is produced in the valley of the same name in Georgia, is especially popular. It contains only natural minerals and no harmful additives. Borjomi is often used for single-component inhalations or instead of saline in combination with medications.
Inhalations of Ambrobene with Borjomi are carried out by analogy with those in which saline is used. The components are mixed in equal proportions. The total volume for adults is 4 ml. But here it is important to remember that bottled water is enriched in carbon dioxide, and carbonated water cannot be used for inhalation. In order for the gas to come out, it is worth preparing the water in advance, for example, open the bottle in the evening and stir the water periodically until all the gas comes out. Otherwise, the cough can only intensify, the risk of bronchospasm and hypoxia increases.
Some doctors strongly oppose the use of mineral water for inhalation. This is explained by two factors: the lack of sterility (water from underground sources is initially considered clean until it comes in contact with air and above-ground microorganisms) and the presence of non-volatile acids, which are easily excreted from the digestive tract, but not from the lungs, where they can accumulate and can become cause inflammation. So, to use Borjomi and other mineral waters for inhalation or to prefer sterile saline is a matter of health, and not just taste preferences and accessibility.
Combination inhalation therapy
Despite the proven effectiveness of the German drug used internally and for inhalation, doctors, along with Ambrobene, also prescribe Lazolvan for inhalation in search of more effective treatment regimens for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. This combination does not need to be taken literally. They are not mixed to obtain a more effective inhalation solution, because both drugs have one active substance (ambroxol), the only difference is in the auxiliary components.
Most often, Ambrobene is prescribed for inhalation procedures, and Lazolvan is suggested to be taken as a syrup or solution inside. These drugs are interchangeable, so the scheme can be drawn up and vice versa, or they can prescribe one of the drugs, both for internal use and for inhalation.
With such combined treatment, it is important to consider that the maximum dose of ambroxol for patients over 12 years old is 120 mg, i.e. The amount of active substance that enters the body during oral administration and inhalation treatment should not exceed this figure. But ideally, it is better that it is in the range of 60-90 mg (2 ml of Ambrobene solution contain 15 mg of Ambroxol).
Ambroxol preparations are not often, but can cause bronchospasm if they are used for inhalation. This happens in children, as well as with increased sensitivity of the bronchi, bronchial asthma, hereditary predisposition. In these cases, as well as in the treatment of obstructive diseases (pathology of the respiratory tract with impaired patency), "Ambrobene" for inhalation is prescribed along with the bronchodilator "Berodual", which is also available as an inhalation solution.
There are 2 treatment regimens using both drugs. If there is a violation of patency of the bronchi or a predisposition to it (if there has already been a history of bronchospasm during inhalation), the procedure is first performed with Berodual, diluted with saline 1: 2, and after 15-20 minutes they are transferred to inhalation with Ambrobene and saline (1: 1).
"Berodual" relaxes the walls of the bronchi and expands their lumen, preparing for treatment with ambroxol. The same treatment is effective for exacerbations of bronchial asthma.
With increased sensitivity of the bronchi caused by severe inflammation, as well as in the case of treatment of children more prone to bronchospasm, Ambrobene and Berodual for inhalation are recommended by doctors to use simultaneously, combining both drugs and saline.
The dosage of the Ambrobene solution in combination with Berodual and saline for a nebulizer is as follows: take the same 9% sodium chloride solution and 10-20 drops of Berodual for 2 ml of Ambroxol solution. This will help prevent bronchospasm during inhalation in adults. The children's dose, respectively, will be less.
Technique of the ambrobene for inhalation
When the solution and the inhaler are prepared, it's time to start the medical procedure, which doctors recommend 2-3 times a day, until the cough becomes less painful and more productive. In this case, it is important to know how to properly carry out inhalation, so as not to aggravate your condition.
To begin with, we decide on the time during which you need to breathe the medicinal solution. Adults can carry out inhalation for 5-10 minutes, for children under 12 years old 3-5 minutes are enough, and the smaller the child, the shorter the duration of inhalation.
As you know, cold air irritates the inflamed mucosa and only aggravates a cough. To avoid this, it is recommended to heat the prepared solution to a comfortable temperature (30-40 degrees), after which it can be poured into the inhaler. Steam inhalers themselves provide heating of the medicinal solution, which they turn into an aerosol, but care must be taken to ensure that the temperature of the liquid does not rise above 40-42 degrees.
To avoid all kinds of complications, inhalation is recommended not earlier than one and a half hours after a meal or exercise. Do not take expectorants the day before; any other drugs are recommended to be taken at least an hour before the procedure to avoid drug interactions.
Inhalations are carried out for a limited time, so you need to set yourself up to the fact that during these few minutes all attention should be focused on breathing. You need to breathe evenly, trying to hold your breath for a couple of seconds after inhaling. You do not need to breathe too deeply so as not to provoke a spasm of the bronchi.
We recall once again that for the treatment of diseases of the nasopharynx, inhalation must be done with the nose, and expiration with the mouth, using a special nasal nozzle or mask. In diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, the medicine must enter the central and lower respiratory tract, so it must be inhaled through the mouth. Using a mouthpiece, exhaling is more convenient and more appropriate to do through the nose.
Doctors are categorically against talking during inhalation. You should also not be distracted by reading, which distracts the patient, and his breathing becomes more superficial.
To ensure free access of air to the respiratory tract, you need to wear loose clothing that does not squeeze the chest and neck, take a comfortable position, straighten your shoulders, and relax your muscles. Usually inhalations are performed in a sitting position, but some nebulizers allow half-sitting procedures (the tilt angle of the device is 45 degrees). For bedridden patients and small children, it is preferable to use a mask.
Usually the duration of inhalation is determined by the period during which the entire solution will be used up. At the end of the procedure, thoroughly rinse the mouth with boiled water at room temperature to remove the remnants of the medicine, sputum and pathogens. When using a mask, it is advisable to wash your face. All parts of the device in contact with skin and drug solution must also be thoroughly washed and dried.
Inhalation with Ambrobene during pregnancy
Inhalation therapy for diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract is an effective method of combating painful symptoms, which contributes to a quick recovery and a lower risk of complications. In addition, this method can be called safer than oral administration of drugs, when the active substance enters the bloodstream almost completely and, together with it, to the inflammatory focus. Inhalations have a local effect, which means that the concentration of the active substance in the blood with this treatment will be noticeably lower.
Ambroxol hydrochloride - the active substance of the Ambrobene preparation - even at sufficiently high dosages, does not have a toxic effect on the body of the expectant mother, does not affect muscle activity, and therefore cannot cause miscarriages and premature births. In addition, there was no teratogenic effect behind ambroxol, which is the cause of abnormalities in the development of the fetus.
Doctors allow the use of Ambrobene for inhalation during pregnancy. But in the first trimester, when the greatest sensitivity to any influences from the outside is noted, special care is required in taking medications and conducting medical procedures. However, here doctors are already faced with the need to assess the risk for the mother and the fetus, because a painful, severe cough and infection can do even more harm than medical procedures.
In the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy, inhalation with Ambrobene is carried out according to the same scheme that is designed for adult patients. Mucolytic is mixed with saline in equal volumes (2 ml), the procedure is carried out from 1 to 3 times a day (as prescribed by the doctor).
"Ambrobene" for inhalation to children
A disease does not choose whom to come to. But in the smallest patients with their structural features of the airways, the risk of getting sick is especially high, while treatment options are limited. The baby will not swallow the tablets, and not everyone likes sweet syrup. In addition, for some metabolic disorders, the use of sweet drugs is unacceptable.
Ambrobene solution for oral administration and inhalation is the most suitable form for treating children. It does not contain sugar and alcohol, has no smell and is relatively safe, which makes it possible to use it from birth.
It is possible, but problematic, to make the baby drink a tasteless medicine. It is much easier and more effective to resort to the inhalation method of treatment with a nebulizer with a baby mask, which does not interfere with the baby, but significantly facilitates breathing and coughing, helping to remove phlegm from the narrow airways.
It is difficult for children under 2-3 years old to explain how to breathe correctly during the procedure, therefore a mask covering both the mouth and nose of the child at this age is preferable. Older children can be inhaled with special nozzles, previously explaining in a playful way how to breathe in and out.
"Ambrobene" for inhalation in children can be used after a similar procedure with bronchilitis (after 20-25 minutes) or by mixing two solutions together. The practice of the first method involves the use of a mixture of Ambroxol solution and saline. Both components are taken in equal proportions (1-2 ml), the total volume of the composition for inhalation for a child under 6 years old will be 2-4 ml, for children over 6 years old - 4-6 ml.
Inhalations with Ambrobene can be combined with taking this medicine inside or use another mucolytic with expectorant action.
"Berodual" does not belong to the category of mucolytics. This drug expands the bronchi and prevents spasms, which often happens with inhalation in children. That is why doctors, prescribing inhalation with Ambrobene, recommend adding 5-10 drops of Berodual to the finished solution. Such a composition is safe for asthmatics.
Usually, inhalations are carried out until the entire solution is used up, so do not overdo it with the doses. According to the official instructions, 1 ml of Ambrobene is enough for crumbs up to 2 years for inhalation. The duration of the procedure, which is carried out 1-2 times a day, in this case is unlikely to exceed 3 minutes. But even these minutes, the child should be under the supervision of a doctor.
Babies 2-6 years old are given inhalations 1 or 2 times a day, spending 1-2 ml of the drug; for patients older than 6 years, 2-3 ml of Ambrobene solution can be taken. Children from 2 years old can have inhalation at home. The multiplicity of inhalation with a mucolytic is the same for any age of the patient.
Stationary inhalers allow you to carry out the lying procedure, which is important for newborns and babies up to 2 years. They can be used even during sleep. Using a portable nebulizer, the child is comfortably seated and placed in a semi-recumbent position, otherwise the nebulizer capacity will have to be tilted strongly, which cannot be done.
The kid needs to explain that he will have to suffer a little (usually the procedure takes 3-5 minutes), do not spin, do not indulge, do not talk, try to breathe calmly, but do not inhale too deeply. An interesting fairy tale or mother's lullaby helps calm the fidget.
It is very important that after the procedure the child also remains calm. It will be better if he quietly sits or lies in bed in bed, listening to his mother’s tale or looking at pictures in a book. Talking loudly, playing emotional games, accompanied by conversations, reading poetry and active movements, and even more so going out into the street is extremely undesirable. After inhalation, the child needs a calm rest.
Contraindications to the procedure
Inhalations, undoubtedly, are an effective treatment procedure for respiratory diseases. But the main condition for the effectiveness of treatment remains its safety. If the medicine does not help, this is not so bad, but if the condition of the patient worsens, then this is a real disaster.
To prevent this from happening, you need to know that any therapeutic method can have its contraindications and inhalation is no exception. Whatever type of inhaler was chosen for the procedure, you need to remember that:
- inhalations are possible at a temperature not exceeding 37.5 degrees,
- they cannot be carried out if the person is not calm, worried, is in serious condition,
- if the child cannot be reassured before the procedure (he is afraid, naughty or just indulging), inhalations will have to be postponed to another time,
- inhalation procedures can not be performed earlier than 1 hour after eating, so as not to provoke vomiting and cramping,
- "Ambrobene" for inhalation is not used for hypersensitivity to the drug; if the solution is multicomponent, the tolerance of all drugs included in the inhalation composition (aerosol) must be considered.
- with peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, taking Ambroxol preparations inside is undesirable, but in reality, doctors prescribe them, and often; during inhalation, only a small part of the drug gets into the gastrointestinal tract, which is unlikely to cause serious exacerbations, although caution must still be observed,
- epilepsy, as well as many other diseases of the brain are considered contraindications to treatment with ambroxol preparations (specialist consultation is required),
- relative contraindications are severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys, in which the functioning of the organs is impaired; in this case, the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor with a possible dose adjustment,
- a specialist should be consulted for weak vessels in the nose and atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels, people who have recently had a stroke or myocardial infarction, for severe cardiovascular pathologies (the possibility of inhalation at home in such patients remains in question),
- inhalation can not be carried out with hemoptysis associated with lung diseases, and stomach bleeding,
- for violations of bronchial motility, the allocation and accumulation of a large amount of bronchial secretions, bronchial obstruction caused by foreign bodies in the airways, treatment is carried out only in a hospital.
Using "Ambrobene" for inhalation, drug interaction should be considered. The drug goes well with antibiotics, and even improves their absorption, which positively affects the effectiveness of the treatment of bacterial infections and complications of viral and fungal diseases. This property of mucolytic is often used in practice by doctors.
However, Ambrobene cannot be combined with antitussive drugs. Medicines that inhibit the cough center (for example, codeine) have the opposite effect of ambroxol. Ambroxol will increase the production of mucus, but it will simply not be excreted, which will cause stagnation in the airways and will only aggravate the patient's condition.
Consequences after the procedure
Usually, inhalations with Ambrobene or Ambrobene and Berodual are well tolerated by children and adults, without causing allergic reactions, laryngeal edema, anaphylaxis. But in people with sensitive mucous membranes (a hereditary feature, the result of frequent inflammation, adverse production conditions, the environment) and children, inhalation can cause bronchospasm - a life-threatening condition.
With bronchospasm, it becomes difficult for the patient to breathe: he cannot breathe in or out normally, and in the absence of professional help, he can die from respiratory failure. And since far from everyone knows how to render it, it is better to prevent such a dangerous condition by inhalation with both a mucolytic and bronchodilator (for example, Berodual). This is especially important if the procedure is performed for children, patients with bronchial asthma or allergic status, as well as in cases where the patient has previously had spasms of the respiratory tract muscles.
If Ambrobene is used reasonably for inhalation and adhere to the rules, the procedure helps to make dry and unproductive cough less painful, relieving the patient’s condition, improving sputum excretion, and with it infectious agents, increasing the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents and speeding up recovery.
Complications after the procedure
Inhalations - a medical procedure designed to improve the patient's condition. True, this improvement is not always noted and not immediately. For example, with inhalation with Berodual and Ambrobene, sometimes an increase in temperature is noted, which scares patients and those who care about them. In fact, if it was not steam inhalations carried out against a background of elevated temperature, its increase is usually associated with the activation of the body's defenses and is temporary in nature, after which improvement necessarily occurs. Those. The temperature is not caused by the drug itself, but by active treatment. [4]
The drug "Ambrobene", used for inhalation, has a certain list of side effects, which can also affect the patient's condition and can be perceived as complications. For example, after inhalation, weakness and dizziness are possible, especially if you breathe deeply. Some patients report dry mouth and sometimes respiratory tract after expectoration of sputum. Possible increased salivation and mucous discharge from the nose, which quickly pass.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, stool disorders are usually associated either with gastrointestinal diseases (an exacerbation of the disease is possible), or with improper preparation for inhalation. For example, if the procedure is carried out within the first hour after eating.
Allergic reactions cannot be ruled out if the patient was not aware of such a probability or ignored the warning that when hypersensitive to the drug, it should not be used. The same can be said about isolated cases of anaphylactic shock.
Dangerous complications are possible if inhalation with Ambrobene and the use of antitussive drugs are combined during treatment. This provokes congestion in the airways, obstruction of the bronchi, respiratory failure. Increasing the secretion in the lungs, ambroxol suggests its excretion, if this does not happen, the inflammation intensifies, it can spread to the pleura and lungs, acquiring purulent forms.
Care after the procedure
The condition of the patient worsens and improper care after the procedure. To begin with, all parts of the inhaler in contact with the aerosol and skin of the patient should be thoroughly washed and, if possible, disinfected. Before using the device, you need to make sure that the mouthpiece, nozzles, mask are clean and can not be a breeding ground for infection, because the sin is the price of such treatment when one infection is removed and the other is vaccinated.
But the device is the device, and you also need to take care of yourself. After inhalation, the best activity for the patient is rest. The nebulizer, of course, facilitates the treatment procedure, but it still represents a certain burden for the body. In addition, the action of the drug is not limited exclusively to the elimination of sputum. It activates the body's forces to fight the disease, which means that they must be preserved during this period and not be wasted.
Physical exercises, active games, housework, and even more so in production will wait 1-1.5 hours. During this period, it is better to relax: sleep, read a book or watch a movie that does not cause violent emotions (they also need strength). Although, a dream, of course, is the best doctor.
Do not talk after inhalation. Firstly, with a closed mouth, the medicine remains in the airways for some time and continues to act. Secondly, talking is a load on the inflamed, irritated mucous membrane of the throat and vocal cords, especially with laryngitis, so they only reduce the effectiveness of the fight against inflammation.
Walking in the fresh air is very important for health, but not after inhalation, especially in the cold season - a period of colds and infections. The temperature difference badly affects the state of the respiratory system even in a healthy person, not like in a patient. It is better to try to ventilate and moisten the air more often in the room where the patient is located (in his absence).
Needless to say, eating after inhalation also needs to be postponed for 1-1.5 hours, allowing the medicine to act and preventing nausea.
Analogs "Ambrobene" for inhalation
Sometimes it happens that two drugs have the same active substance in the same dosage, but act differently. The reason often lies in the auxiliary components, to which the body can react in different ways. In this case, in the absence of intolerance to the active substance, it is possible to experiment.
For example, if the Ambrobene solution for inhalation is not suitable due to hypersensitivity to one of the excipients, you can try using another form of the drug (for example, powdered tablets crushed into powder) or seek the help of analogues (after consulting a doctor).
A complete analogue of Ambrobene is the Ambroxol and Lazolvan preparations, which also have a release form recommended for inhalation. The procedure is carried out by analogy with Ambrobene, diluting the medicinal solution with 0.9% sodium chloride solution and warming it to body temperature.
Bromhexine hydrochloride has similar properties to ambroxol. The drug "Bromhexine" in the form of a solution containing 4 or 8 mg of active ingredient per 5 ml can be used for inhalation procedures for adults (8 mg of bromhexine for inhalation) and children (2-4 mg).
In any case, an attempt to replace Ambrobene with another drug, even with the same active substance, must be agreed with your doctor. It is the doctor who must prescribe another effective and safe drug, taking into account the history and condition of the patient.
Reviews
The inhalation method of treating respiratory organs has been practiced by doctors and patients for many years. Theoretically, such treatment should give good results, quickly translating a dry cough into a wet one, facilitating the discharge of sputum, increasing immunity and accelerating recovery. But in practice, not everyone is satisfied with the effect of the drugs used and cast doubt on the effectiveness of the procedure.
According to patient reviews, both Ambrobene and the popular Lazolvan have a similar effect, despite the fact that the first drug in pharmacies can be found at a more affordable price. Both drugs facilitate the elimination of sputum with minimal risk of side effects.
Many agree that Ambrobene for inhalation gives a better and faster result than using the solution inside. But sometimes, in severe cases of the disease in children with their narrow airways and short duration of inhalation, it is more advisable to combine inhalation treatment with taking the medicine inside.
But along with positive reviews, there are many negative ones. What is the reason for the negative attitude to the drug for inhalation? The most common cause is overstated requirements for mucolytic and self-medication. You can not expect from the drug that it will destroy the infection. Its task is to facilitate the elimination of sputum together with microorganisms, but Ambroxol is not able to affect their activity. An experienced doctor in case of a bacterial infection or complication of a disease of a different etiology will prescribe antibiotics together with Ambrobene (in tablets, syrup, drops, by mouth or by inhalation). Without visiting a doctor, few people think about the need for antibiotic therapy, and only a specialist can choose the right drug.
The second reason for treatment failure may be a misunderstanding of the essence of ambroxol treatment. The drug should not stop the cough, on the contrary, it can strengthen it by increasing the production of bronchial secretions. This is the whole point: a cough will become stronger, but softer, sputum will go away even with a slight cough. If the cough is stopped, then how does the mucus along with the microbes leave the airways? What is the point of such a treatment?
It also happens that patients simply do not understand why inhalation is needed, and practice the procedure with a normal productive cough. It is clear that in the absence of changes, they begin to complain about the ineffectiveness of the drug, and if sputum production has become excessive, it is at risk.
Often negative reviews are associated with the individual characteristics of the patient's body: insensitivity to ambroxol, addiction, intolerance to the active ingredients of the drug, as well as the likelihood of developing bronchospasm. In the latter case, it is worth paying attention to bronchodilators that prevent complications (apply them before or during the procedure). In all other situations, there is only one way out - to change the drug.
When using Ambrobene for inhalation for yourself or your child, you need to remember that the effectiveness of treatment depends on the correct approach to inhalation, taking into account contraindications and possible complications. The deliberate use of the drug will necessarily give a positive result or the opportunity to understand that you need to change the purpose. If you do not take into account the requirements for inhalation and contraindications to the drug, you usually do not have to count on a good result. It’s important to understand that a medicine is not a magic wand that fulfills wishes in the blink of an eye. Often, you need to carry out more than one procedure in order to improve the condition, not to mention recovery.