Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Instaril expectorant
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Instaril expectorant is a complex medicine containing substances that stimulate the activity of adrenoreceptors. It has an expectorant effect.
Indications Instaril expectorant
It is used for the following disorders:
- prevention or relief of asthma attacks;
- to facilitate the process of expectoration in bronchitis;
- symptoms of bronchial obstruction;
- rhinitis of vasomotor or allergic origin;
- ARI.
Release form
The substance is released in the form of syrup, in 0.1 l bottles.
Pharmacodynamics
Salbutamol is an adrenergic agonist that selectively stimulates the activity of β2-adrenoreceptors located inside the myometrium, bronchi and blood vessels. Due to stimulation of this type of endings, the smooth muscle cells relax, which causes the bronchi to expand and the myometrium tone to weaken.
Phenylephrine selectively stimulates the activity of α1-adrenoreceptors in the blood vessels. This causes vasoconstriction of the arteries and an increase in blood pressure by increasing peripheral resistance. Reflex increase in parasympathetic tone, as a response to an increase in blood pressure, leads to the appearance of bradycardia. The level of bioavailability of phenylephrine is quite low.
Bromhexine causes depolymerization of acidic mucopolysaccharides with mucoproteins of sputum. It helps to remove sputum by reducing its viscosity. At the same time, it stimulates the production of surfactant.
The combination medication relieves and prevents bronchial spasms, helps to remove sputum and facilitates the patency of the respiratory tract, reducing swelling of their mucous membranes.
Pharmacokinetics
Salbutamol is well absorbed within the gastrointestinal tract. It undergoes intrahepatic conjugation processes. The component is excreted by the kidneys.
Bromhexine is also quite well absorbed within the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes intrahepatic metabolic processes. Elimination is via the kidneys.
[ 1 ]
Dosing and administration
Adults take the drug in a 1-fold dose, which is 1-2 teaspoons of the medicinal substance.
Children over 6 years of age should take 1 teaspoon of syrup.
Children aged 2-5 years are required to be given 0.25 ml/kg of medication.
The syrup should be used 3-4 times a day.
Use Instaril expectorant during pregnancy
It is strictly forbidden to prescribe Instaril expectorant in the first trimester. It cannot be used later in case of bleeding, gestosis or risk of miscarriage.
Contraindications
Main contraindications:
- increased blood pressure values;
- presence of intolerance;
- thyrotoxicosis;
- severe atherosclerosis;
- breast-feeding;
- tachyarrhythmia.
[ 2 ]
Side effects Instaril expectorant
The use of the drug may cause tremors, headaches, tachycardia, hypokalemia, nausea and signs of allergy, as well as an increase in blood pressure.
Overdose
Overdose leads to muscle cramps, tremors, tachycardia with angina, vomiting and increased blood pressure.
To treat these disorders, symptomatic measures must be taken.
[ 3 ]
Interactions with other drugs
Combination with theophylline increases the likelihood of developing tachycardia.
The combination with corticosteroids and diuretics potentiates the risk of hypokalemia.
MAOIs enhance the medicinal activity of phenylephrine.
Potentiation of arrhythmogenicity and pressor effect may be observed when combining Instaril expectorant with furazolidone, selegiline, tricyclics, procarbazine, as well as oxytocin and ergot alkaloids.
Storage conditions
Instaril expectorant must be stored in a dark and dry place, out of the reach of small children. Temperature values are maximum 25°C.
Application for children
Not prescribed in pediatrics (up to 2 years of age).
[ 10 ]
Analogues
An analogue of the drug is Bronchoril.
[ 11 ]
Reviews
Instaril expectorant has good therapeutic efficiency and has a pleasant smell. Also, its low cost is one of its advantages.
Among the shortcomings, reviews note a large number of negative symptoms and contraindications.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Instaril expectorant" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.