Codelac Broncho: indications, how to take it correctly

Composition and release form

The medicine is dispensed in the following forms:

• The tablets are round, light white or cream in color, with minor inclusions possible. Packaged in cardboard packaging with 1-2 blisters, each containing 10 pieces.
• Syrup - presented as a liquid base with the taste of thyme. Available in 50, 100 and 125 ml volumes. Sold in a glass bottle and secondary cardboard packaging with attached instructions for use.

Active ingredients, regardless of type: ambroxol hydrochloride, sodium glycyrrhizinate. Also dry thermopsis extract and sodium bicarbonate in tablets; liquid thyme extract in syrup.

Auxiliary components: starch, cellulose, talc, nipazole, pure water, sorbitol, stearic acid.

What kind of cough do Codelac Broncho tablets and elixir help with?

The effect of both dosage forms of the drug is similar. These are mucolytics with a moderate anti-inflammatory effect. Designed to liquefy mucous secretions, improve the passage of accumulated clots from the bronchi and lungs. Increases cough productivity and helps cleanse the respiratory system.

Ambroxol in combination with thermopsis extract reduces the viscosity of mucus, stimulating its elimination. Sodium bicarbonate improves the motility of bronchioles and epithelial villi on the walls of the bronchi. Glycyrrhizinate has an antimicrobial effect and neutralizes the damaging effects of oxidation products. Thyme complements the activity of other components of the elixir, helps to expectorate mucus more easily, helps relieve microspasms and makes breathing easier.

Positive dynamics are usually observed from the second day of therapy. The effect of the medicine increases gradually: the cough becomes less intrusive, the mucus leaves in a larger volume, and relief comes faster.

pharmachologic effect

The medicine is intended to treat cough symptoms of any origin. It has a pronounced expectorant and mucolytic effect, and a weak anti-inflammatory effect.

Thanks to the main substances in the composition, the drug promotes the dilution of bronchial secretions and its good discharge.

Due to glycyrrate, there is a decrease in the inflammatory process, the fight against viral agents, and antioxidant properties.

Thermopsis extract stimulates expectoration of sputum, normalizing the secretion in the bronchopulmonary system due to some irritation of the gastric mucosa.

Sodium bicarbonate has an alkaline effect, reduces the viscosity of mucus and stimulates the motility of the epithelial tissue of the bronchopulmonary apparatus.

Thyme plant extract contains a number of essential oils, which contributes to an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect.

The pharmacological activity of the drug is aimed at suppressing dry cough, wheezing in the lungs and respiratory failure. In addition, Codelac Broncho reduces the time of intoxication and helps to quickly relieve a runny nose.

Codelac Broncho elixir with thyme 100ml

A country

Russia
The country of production may vary depending on the batch of goods. Please check with the operator for detailed information when confirming your order.

Active substance

Ambroxol + Sodium glycyrrhizinate + Creeping thyme herb extract

Compound

Active ingredients: codeine phosphate hemihydrate - 4.5 mg, dry thermopsis extract - 10 mg, liquid thyme extract - 1000 mg, dry licorice extract - 165 mg.

pharmachologic effect

Cough remedy, contains components of plant origin. Combined drug. Codeine reduces the excitability of the cough center, reducing the intensity of the cough. In recommended therapeutic doses, it does not cause depression of the respiratory and cough centers, does not disrupt the function of the ciliated epithelium and does not reduce bronchial secretion. Thermopsis herb has an expectorant effect, manifested in increasing the secretory function of the bronchial glands, increasing the activity of the ciliated epithelium and accelerating the excretion of secretions, increasing the tone of smooth muscles bronchi due to the central vagotropic effect. Licorice root has an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Contains glycyrrhizin, which has an antiviral effect, and also potentiates the effect of endogenous glucocorticosteroids, providing anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects. Due to its pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, glycyrrhizin contributes to the most rapid relief of the infectious and inflammatory process in the respiratory tract. Thyme herb extract contains a mixture of essential oils that have expectorant, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects due to increased activity of the ciliated epithelium of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, increasing the amount of mucosal secretion membranes of the bronchi, diluting sputum, accelerating its evacuation and loosening inflammatory plaques. In addition, thyme has weak antispasmodic and reparative properties.

Indications for use

Symptomatic treatment of dry cough of any etiology in bronchopulmonary diseases.

Mode of application

Inside, during meals, with a small amount of water. Adults and children over 12 years old - 10 ml 4 times a day. Children from 2 to 6 years old - 2.5 ml 3 times a day, from 6 to 12 years old - 5 ml 3 times a day.

Interaction

Combined use with antitussive drugs leads to difficulty in sputum discharge.

Side effect

Allergic reactions, weakness, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth and respiratory tract, exanthema, rhinorrhea, constipation, dysuria. With long-term use in high doses - gastralgia, nausea, vomiting.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, lactation, children under 2 years of age. With caution: liver and/or kidney failure, gastric and duodenal ulcers, bronchial asthma.

Overdose

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia. Treatment: symptomatic, gastric lavage is advisable in the first 1-2 hours after taking the drug.

special instructions

Do not combine with antitussives. Patients with diabetes can use the drug, taking into account the sorbitol content in the amount of 0.18 XE per 5 ml of elixir.

Contraindications

The following conditions are absolute contraindications to taking Codelac Broncho:

1. Carrying a child and breastfeeding.
2. Allergic reaction to the components of the drug.
3. Children's age - syrup up to 2 years and tablets up to 12 years.

Use the medicine with caution in case of an attack of bronchial asthma, ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and disorders of the liver and kidneys.

When to take Codelac Broncho

The drug is taken when signs of respiratory inflammation or symptoms of exacerbation of chronic conditions develop. It is recommended to start the course of treatment from the first minutes of discomfort: sore throat, hoarseness and coughing.

General indications:

• accumulation of sputum in acute and chronic forms of bronchitis;
• chronic pulmonary obstruction;
• bronchiectasis;
• viral or bacterial pneumonia;
• signs of ARVI, accompanied by cough.

Side effects

If the course of therapy is not followed, side effects may occur in the form of:

1. Headache and dizziness.
2. Weakness and fatigue.
3. Rhinorrhea.
4. Dryness of the mucous surface of the respiratory tract.
5. Dyspeptic manifestations - nausea followed by vomiting, dry mouth, pain in the epigastrium, abnormal stool.

Skin rashes and problems with urination are less common.

Side effects

During treatment, the following are rarely possible:

• the appearance of physical weakness, dizziness;
• dryness, unpleasant taste in the mouth, loss of appetite;
• abdominal cramps, stool upset, constipation;
• irritation of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, trachea;
• the appearance of a runny nose.

After taking large doses, intoxication may occur. Possible vomiting, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea. In such cases, it is necessary to lavage the stomach and take enterosorbents.

Pharmacological properties

Codelac is a combination drug characterized by a pronounced antitussive and expectorant effect. Codeine reduces the excitability of the cough center, has a weak sedative and analgesic effect and suppresses the reflexes responsible for prolonged coughing. In small doses, the drug does not lead to depression of the respiratory center, does not reduce bronchial secretion and does not disrupt the functioning of the ciliated epithelium.

The active components of thermopsis herb are isoquinoline alkaloids. It helps to excite the respiratory and stimulate the vomiting centers. Codelac has a pronounced expectorant effect, which consists in increasing the tone of the smooth muscles of the bronchi due to the vagotropic effect, intensifying the activity of the ciliated epithelium and more accelerated excretion of secretions, enhancing the secretory function of the bronchial glands.

The biologically active components of the drug have ganglion-blocking properties. Sodium bicarbonate stimulates the motor function of bronchioles and ciliated epithelium, reduces the viscosity of sputum and makes the pH of bronchial mucus more alkaline.

Licorice root is characterized by antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. The expectorant properties are explained by the content of glycyrrhizin, which stimulates the activity of the ciliated epithelium located in the trachea and bronchi. This substance also increases the secretory function of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. The antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles is due to the presence of flavone compounds (the most active is liquiritoside).

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The anti-inflammatory effect consists of stopping inflammatory reactions caused by bradykinin, serotonin and histamine. Glycyrrhizic acid is metabolized in the body, producing a glucocorticosteroid-like effect.

The drug begins to act 30–60 minutes after administration. The duration of action is approximately 6 hours. Pharmacokinetic data are not available.

Instructions for use of Codelac: method and dosage

Codelac tablets should be taken orally.

Recommended dosage regimen: 1 tablet 2-3 times a day.

You can take the drug for a short course (no longer than a few days).

It must be taken into account that the maximum adult single dose of codeine when taken orally is 50 mg, daily - 200 mg.

The dose of Codelac for children is determined by the doctor.

For patients with functional renal impairment, it is recommended to increase the interval between doses of the drug (due to slower excretion of codeine).

Codelac® Neo to relieve dry cough

The Codelac® Neo series includes drugs in the form of tablets, syrup and drops. This variety of choices allows you to completely solve the problem of dry cough in both adults and children, starting from a very early age.

Butamirate, which is the active ingredient of Codelac® Neo, has a favorable safety profile, which has been repeatedly confirmed by research[8]. Butamirate selectively affects the cough center in the central nervous system. Unlike codeine and other opioid antitussives, butamirate is not addictive, it does not depress respiratory function and, as a rule, does not have other negative effects, so it is safe even for children.

Thanks to the pharmacological action of butamirate in Codelac® Neo, the product helps eliminate the cough reflex and reduces the reactivity of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. In addition, it has some anti-inflammatory effects[9] and slightly dilates the bronchi. Taking the drug helps reduce the severity of dry cough attacks, reduce their frequency, make breathing easier, and improve blood oxygen saturation. Butamirate begins to act within half an hour after administration[10] and lasts for a long time: syrup and drops of Codelac® Neo last up to six hours, tablets - up to 12 hours[11]. Thanks to this, you can forget about coughing for the whole night.

Note Due to the similarity of the names, many believe that Codelac® preparations contain the narcotic component codeine. This is a misconception. There is no codeine or other substances that could cause dependence and addiction in any medicine in the Codelac® line. As for butamirate, the main component of Codelac® Neo, its favorable safety profile has been clinically proven[12].

"Codelac® Broncho": complex composition and mild action

The composition of Codelac® Broncho is complex: it contains both components synthesized in the laboratory and natural substances obtained from medicinal plants. Thanks to the components included in the drug, there is a complex effect on the factors involved in the occurrence of wet cough.

In pharmacies you can find tablets and elixir “Codelac® Broncho”. They differ slightly in composition. The main active substance is the same for both forms. This is ambroxol - a component with mucolytic and expectorant effects. It helps to liquefy mucus and improve its removal. Ambroxol exhibits its effect approximately half an hour after administration, the effect lasts up to 12 hours (this depends on the dose taken) [1].

On a note! Ambroxol as the main active ingredient is included in many popular remedies for combating wet cough. But, unlike single-component drugs, Codelac® Broncho works more efficiently[2]. This is explained by the combined pharmacological activity of all substances in its composition: each of them enhances the effect of the other.

Glycyrrhizic acid, which is obtained from the extract of licorice root, a plant widely used in folk medicine as a cough suppressant, exhibits antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Acting in the body like endogenous corticosteroid hormones, it reduces the strength of the inflammatory response of the respiratory tract. Glycyrrhizic acid also has an antioxidant effect and helps stabilize cell membranes. Due to this, it protects the cells of the respiratory tract.

Thyme herb extract is present in the Codelac® Broncho with Thyme elixir. This plant has also long been used in folk medicine to combat coughs. Official science represented by WHO confirms that thyme extract can be used for respiratory diseases[3]. It has three actions at once: expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. In addition, thyme herb extract has a slight antispasmodic effect and accelerates the restoration of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Thermopsis herb, which is included in Codelac® Broncho tablets, enhances the secretion of mucus in the bronchi, causing sputum to become less viscous. This herbal substance also stimulates the cough reflex, which improves expectoration.

Sodium bicarbonate (present in Codelac® Broncho tablets) also has mucolytic and expectorant effects. The first is achieved by reducing the viscosity of sputum, the second by increasing the motor activity of the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract.

So, thanks to the combined composition, the pharmacological action of Codelac® Broncho is aimed at all pathological processes that occur during a productive cough:

• Thinning of mucus and improving its evacuation from the bronchi (due to the effect of ambroxol in both forms of the drug, thyme extract in the elixir, thermopsis and sodium bicarbonate in tablets).
• Reduction of the inflammatory reaction and accelerated restoration of damaged epithelium (achieved due to the properties of glycyrrhizic acid).
• Fighting microorganisms that cause inflammation (glycyrrhizic acid is quite effective against viruses, including influenza[4], and thyme flavonoids suppress the activity of pathogenic bacteria and fungi[5]).

In what cases can Codelac® Broncho be prescribed?

The product is recommended for use for any respiratory diseases that occur with the formation of thick sputum. These are acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, bronchiectasis. The drug is prescribed for viral respiratory tract infections, which are accompanied by productive and unproductive cough (ARVI, in particular influenza). It is possible to use Codelac® Broncho for coronavirus: Temporary guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 advise taking mucoactive drugs, including ambroxol, to improve sputum removal[6].

The use of Codelac® Broncho is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or if you have an individual intolerance to any of the components of the drug. Tablets are prohibited for children under 12 years of age. But the elixir “Codelac® Broncho with thyme” has a minimum age restrictions: it can be given to children from two years old, because it does not contain sugar, artificial flavors and dyes.

A few words about how to take Codelac® Broncho in tablets or as an elixir. The choice of one form or another of the drug is determined by age and personal preferences. The tablets are intended for adults and children over 12 years of age. They should be taken orally, with meals, one piece three times a day. The recommended course duration is four to five days.

Cough elixir “Codelac® Broncho with thyme” is suitable for both children from two years of age and adults (the product is available in packages of 100 and 200 ml, so that patients of any age category can easily choose the appropriate volume). Children are given the medicine three times a day, a single dosage depends on age: from two to six years it is 2.5 ml, from six to 12 years - 5 ml. Children over 12 years of age and adult patients should take Codelac® Broncho with thyme elixir 10 ml four times a day.

Last but not least, the choice of pharmaceutical is influenced by the issue of its cost. The price of Codelac® Broncho varies depending on the form of release and the volume of packaging. The elixir in a 100 ml bottle can be purchased in pharmacies for an average of 200 rubles, 200 ml for about 300 rubles. A package of 10 tablets will cost about 160 rubles, and a package of 20 tablets will cost approximately 220 rubles[7].

special instructions

Before you start taking the drug, it is necessary to establish the cause of the cough and confirm the need for special therapy.

Codelac tablets should not be taken together with expectorants and mucolytic drugs.

Long-term treatment with high doses can lead to drug dependence.

It must be borne in mind that Codelac is a doping drug, since it contains codeine.

Due to the likelihood of sedation, during therapy it is not recommended to engage in types of work that require quick psychomotor reactions and increased attention.

Reviews about Codelac

According to reviews, Codelac is a fairly effective medicine. Those who have previously used various cough tablets note that the drug works better and faster, alleviating the patient’s condition. Many mothers say that Codelac is well tolerated by children, having a gentle effect on a fragile body and quickly calming a cough. It also has a sedative effect, which allows mothers to rest and a tired child to sleep better at night. However, the drug should be taken only for dry cough.

Drug interactions

With the simultaneous use of certain drugs, the following effects may develop:

• Chloramphenicol: enhances the effect of codeine;
• Sleeping pills, antipsychotics, antihistamines, sedatives, centrally acting analgesics, anxiolytics: increased depression of the respiratory center and sedative effect (the combination is not recommended);
• Cardiac glycosides (including digoxin): enhancing their action;
• Adsorbents, coatings and astringents: decreased absorption of codeine.