Ambroxol Lozenges:Introduction and Recent Advances

Ambroxol hydrochloride (trans-4-[(2-amino-3,5-dibrom-benzyl)amino]cyclohexano hydrochloride; CAS 18683-91-5) is a mucolytic agent. It is an ingredient of several cough and cold formulations - particularly syrups and tablets. The pharmacological properties (i.e. anesthetic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory) have aroused the interest of the scientific community in this molecule. As a result, many studies have focused on the formulation of the lozenges of ambroxol hydrochloride. The commercial marketing of these lozenges started in the year 2002. The reported strengths of these lozenges are 15, 20, and 30 mg. The studies have indicated that bioavailability of the drug from lozenges is better than the tablets. It is so apparently because dissolution of the lozenges in the mouth itself adds to the systemic circulation. Hence, the lozenges can be better candidate for treating respiratory tract problems and associated symptoms. The lozenges are usually well tolerated. The present communication is an attempt to present an overview of the recent developments concerning ambroxol hydrochloride lozenges.