Product Index

MUCOPHYLIN Capsules
Each hard gelatin capsule contains:
Acebrophylline …..... 100 mg

Oral capsules

Acebrophylline is a compound which has been found to act as a bronchodilating, mucoregulating and anti-inflammatory drug due to its components theophylline-7-acetate and ambroxol.

Theophylline-7-acetate, as with other xanthinic derivatives, has a bronchodilator effect due to inhibition of the intracellular phosphodiesterases, followed by an increase of adenosine monophosphate cyclic levels, which promote the relaxation of bronchial muscles.

Ambroxol modifies the mucous gel phase of secretions by decreasing the viscosity and increasing the serous gel phase. It increases the mucociliary clearance by stimulating cilia motility.

Acebrophylline inhibits phospholipase A₂ and phosphatidylcholine leading to lesser production of the powerful pro-inflammatory substances like leukotrienes and tumor necrosis factor. By inhibiting the synthesis and release of these inflammatory mediators, acebrophylline reduces inflammation, a key factor in airway obstruction, especially in chronic forms.

In healthy volunteers, given 200 mg oral acebrophylline, the two components of the molecule ambroxol and theophylline-7 acetic acid are released in the stomach and absorbed in the intestine, reaching optimal concentrations of ambroxol within 2 hours and of theophylline-7 acetic acid after 1 hour. The plasma half-life varies from 4 to 9 hours after oral administration. The drug is metabolized in the liver and eliminated renally.

MUCOPHYLIN Capsules is indicated for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma and bronchitis

Adults 

The usually recommended dose of acebrophylline for adults is one MUCOPHYLIN Capsules twice daily. Acebrophylline capsules are not recommended for use in children (who may find difficulty in swallowing capsules). In elderly patients dosage may be adjusted if required.

While the two components of acebrophylline have generally been found to be safe in earlier studies, the following contraindications have to be noted:

Careful monitoring is recommended for patients with congestive heart failure, chronic alcoholism, hepatic dysfunction, or viral infections.

Caution should be exercised in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, other cardiovascular diseases, hyperthyroidism or hypertension, gastric and duodenal ulceration or convulsive disorders. Patients with hepatic and renal insufficiency should take it with caution.

The following reduce clearance and a reduced dosage may therefore be necessary to avoid side-effects: allopurinol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, corticosteroids, diltiazem, erythromycin, frusemide, isoprenaline, oral contraceptives, thiabendazole and verapamil, doxycycline, amoxicillin etc.

Xanthines can potentiate hypokalaemia resulting from beta₂-agonist therapy, steroids, diuretics and hypoxia. Particular caution is advised in severe asthma. It is recommended that serum potassium levels are monitored in such situations.

No clinically relevant unfavourable interactions with other medications have been reported.

Acebrophylline is not recommended in pregnancy as well as during parturition.

The safety of acebrophylline is not established during lactation period. Hence the use of acebrophylline is not advisable in lactating mothers.

Transient nausea and dizziness may occur on taking this drug, but these effects are reversible. On cessation of therapy, these symptoms tend to disappear.

The commonly reported adverse effects with acebrophylline include abdominal discomfort, stomach/abdominal distension, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, heart burn, loss of appetite, esophageal bleeding, rashes, urticaria, itching, drowsiness, difficulty in breathing, leukocytosis, and nasal inflammation. If chills and fevers occur, the drug should be immediately discontinued.

Other rarely reported adverse events include headache, occasional numbness including numbness in arm, insomnia, tachycardia, fatigue, hypertension, albuminuria, glycosuria, hypotension and occasionally hyperglycemia.

Nausea, vomiting (which is often severe), epigastric pain and haematemesis. Pancreatitis if abdominal pain persists. Restlessness, hypertonia, exaggerated limb reflexes and convulsions. Tachycardia is common.

Symptomatic treatment should be provided.

MUCOPHYLIN Capsules: Alu alu pack of 10 capsules