Pectolvan

Pectolvan is a complex drug with mucolytic and expectorant activity. It contains such elements as ambroxol hydrochloride and carbocysteine.

Ambroxol stimulates the activity of the ciliated epithelium and at the same time increases the production of surfactant in the lungs. This leads to an improvement in the processes of separation and excretion of sputum (increase in mucociliary clearance). As a result of the development of this effect, as well as the activation of fluid secretion, coughing is noticeably weakened and mucus excretion is facilitated. [ 1 ]

Indications Pectolvan

It is used in the treatment of chronic and active stages of pathologies affecting the respiratory tract, against the background of which difficult-to-secrete, viscous sputum is formed: bronchial asthma, respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, chronic pulmonary obstruction and bronchiectasis.

It is prescribed in the event of complications after lung surgery, and also before and after a bronchoscopy session, as well as during tracheostomy care.

Can be used in the treatment of inflammation affecting the middle ear and paranasal sinuses.

Release form

The drug is released in the form of syrup, in 0.1 l bottles.

Pharmacodynamics

Due to the influence of carbocysteine, the viscosity of intrabronchial secretions is reduced by breaking down the disulfide compounds of glycoproteins. As a result of the thinning of secretions, sputum is excreted much better. [ 2 ]

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, ambroxol is almost completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, passing into the lung tissue without complications. The absolute bioavailability of the substance is approximately 80%.

Plasma Cmax values of ambroxol are recorded after 2 hours from the moment of administration, and the half-life is 8-12 hours. [ 3 ]

Ambroxol is excreted mainly with urine (90%). The substance does not accumulate; it overcomes the BBB and is excreted with breast milk.

After oral administration of carbocisteine, it is absorbed at high speed, reaching plasma levels of Cmax after 2 hours. Its low bioavailability (below 10%) is noted, associated with intensive metabolic processes within the digestive system and the first intrahepatic passage.

The substance is excreted in the urine, mainly as inactive metabolic elements (inorganic sulfates and diacetylcysteine). A small remainder of the element is excreted unchanged in the feces. Carbocysteine can accumulate in the amniotic fluid and cross the placenta.

Dosing and administration

Children aged 7-12 years take 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of syrup 2-3 times a day. Children aged 2-6 years - 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml), 2-3 times a day. For children over 1 month and up to 2 years old, it is required to take 0.5 spoon of syrup 2 times a day. The treatment cycle often lasts no more than 8-10 days.

Use Pectolvan during pregnancy

The drug should not be used in the 1st trimester. Prescription in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is allowed after careful assessment of the probable benefits and risks to the fetus.

Because the medication is excreted in breast milk, it cannot be used during breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract;
• convulsive syndrome;
• active phase of chronic glomerulonephritis;
• severe personal intolerance associated with the elements of the drug.

Side effects Pectolvan

Pectolvan is usually tolerated without complications, but occasionally its use can cause epidermal rashes and systemic weakness.

Long-term administration of the drug may provoke disorders associated with the digestive function: vomiting, gastralgia, nausea, diarrhea and heartburn. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract is rarely observed.

Quincke's edema, urticaria, epidermal rash and anaphylactic symptoms may occur. Severe epidermal disorders (SSD or TEN) develop occasionally.

A single long-term use of Pectolvan causes headaches, palpitations and dizziness.

Overdose

Intoxication with Pectolvan may cause nausea and vomiting.

When these disorders occur, symptomatic and supportive actions are performed.

Interactions with other drugs

The administration of the drug together with GCS and antibacterial substances enhances their therapeutic effect in the treatment of inflammation affecting the respiratory tract.

The drug cannot be combined with tetracyclines (except doxycycline); at least a 2-hour interval must be observed between their administration.

It is prohibited to combine with antitussive drugs (suppression of the activity of the cough center can provoke accumulation of bronchial secretions inside the respiratory tract).

Storage conditions

Pectolvan must be stored in a dark and dry place, at temperatures in the range of 15-25°C.

Shelf life

Pectolvan can be used within 18 months from the date of manufacture of the therapeutic agent.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are the cough medicines Mucosol and Milistan.