Clinical medicine profile
Ambroxol HCL, Salbutamol, Guaiphenesin, Menthol flavor
Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator)
- Route
- INHALATION / ORAL / NEB / IV (rare)
- Schedule
- POM
- ATC
- Not assigned
- PPB status
- registered
Safety essentials
The information most likely to change a prescribing or dispensing decision.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity.
- LABA monotherapy in asthma is contraindicated — always with ICS.
Precautions
- Paradoxical bronchospasm.
- Hypokalaemia with high dose/nebs especially with steroids/diuretics/xanthines.
- CV disease: tachycardia/arrhythmia risk.
- Thyrotoxicosis caution.
Dosing matrix
Population and organ-function guidance, shown together for faster comparison.
Dosing is indication-, age-, weight- and organ-function-specific for this INN. Do not use class averages for high-risk patients. Confirm the exact regimen in the current SmPC and Kenya Standard Treatment Guidelines. Typical professional workflow: (1) confirm indication, (2) check renal/hepatic function, (3) screen interactions/allergies, (4) select dose/route/duration, (5) define monitoring.
Paediatric dosing is weight- and age-based; use a paediatric formulary / SmPC. Do not extrapolate adult tablets without calculation.
Low for inhaled; monitor electrolytes if continuous nebs.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Low clinical concern for inhaled therapy.
Use, effects & interactions
Indications
- Productive cough that is associated with bronchospasm such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis and emphysema.
- Clinical selection for Ambroxol HCL, Salbutamol, Guaiphenesin, Menthol flavor should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator).
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Adverse effects
- Tremor, tachycardia, headache, palpitations, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia.
- Serious: arrhythmias, paradoxical bronchospasm.
Drug interactions
Open multi-drug checker ↗- Assess inhaler technique every visit.
- Increasing SABA use = uncontrolled disease — step up controller therapy.
- Never prescribe LABA alone for asthma.
Mechanism & disposition
Stimulate airway smooth muscle beta-2 receptors, increasing cAMP and causing bronchodilation.
Read complete mechanism
Stimulate airway smooth muscle beta-2 receptors, increasing cAMP and causing bronchodilation. Also improve mucociliary clearance and may stabilise mast cells. SABA for rescue; LABA for maintenance with ICS.
Minutes (SABA)
3–6 h SABA; 12 h LABA
INHALATION / ORAL / NEB / IV (rare)
causes tremor/tachycardia. Hepatic
of many agents.
Pregnancy, lactation & diet
Inhaled salbutamol widely used; uncontrolled asthma risk > drug risk.
Inhaled therapy generally compatible.
Brands & loaded prices
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | Observed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOFAREST | DAIMA BIASHARA / Wholesale Import | SYRUP 100ML | KES 162.65Daima Chemist price-list reference ↗ Source date not recorded · verify current price |
Sources & review state
Decision support only. Confirm patient-specific decisions against the current product SmPC, Kenya STG/EML, and professional judgement.