Ambroxol Hydrochloride Side Effects

Ambroxol hydrochloride is a medication indicated to alleviate chest congestion associated with conditions that include bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchospasm asthma. This medication is part of a class of drugs called mucolytics and works by thinning chest mucus in affected patients. Ambroxol hydrochloride is not currently marketed in the United States but is used in other parts of the world. Patients should discuss the limited ambroxol hydrochloride side effects with a doctor before beginning treatment.

Nausea or Indigestion

Following oral administration of ambroxol hydrochloride tablets or syrup, certain patients can develop stomach upset side effects. These side effects can include nausea or indigestion, warn health officials at the Health Sciences Authority, a division of the Singapore Government. Stomach upset symptoms can become uncomfortable and may contribute to a decreased appetite in certain patients. To limit the development of these side effects, ambroxol hydrochloride should be taken with food. Patients who experience severe nausea or vomiting while taking this medication should contact a doctor.

Diarrhea

Treatment with ambroxol hydrochloride can lead to bowel movement changes in patients. This side effect can cause certain patients to experience frequent bowel movement urges that yield watery, loose stools--a side effect called diarrhea. Patients who have diarrhea may also develop sensations of bloating, fullness, cramping or pain within the abdomen. In most patients, these stomach upset side effects are typically mild, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website 1. Persistent or severe diarrhea can cause a patient's body to lose too much water and can cause dehydration. Patients who experience recurrent episodes of diarrhea or sensations of dizziness, fatigue or increased thirst while taking this medication should contact a medical professional as soon as possible.

Allergic Reaction

Rarely, patients taking ambroxol hydrochloride can experience an allergic reaction to this medication upon initial use. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to this medication can include red, itchy skin; shortness of breath; facial swelling or swallowing difficulties, warn HSA officials. Patients who develop these side effects after taking a dose of ambroxol hydrochloride require immediate emergency medical care. These allergic reaction side effects can be life-threatening without prompt medical intervention.