astharil-as syrup - Ambroxol (30mg/5ml) + Salbutamol (2mg/5ml) medicine

Astharil-AS Syrup: Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Zoic Lifesciences 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 16, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Moderate for the combination in productive cough with bronchospasm; limited for other uses.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 16, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Chest pain or palpitations
  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, throat, difficulty breathing)
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening of breathing after taking the medicine)
  • Severe headache with visual changes
  • Muscle weakness or cramps (possible hypokalemia)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is astharil-as syrup used for?

This medicine is a combination syrup containing ambroxol (30 mg/5 ml) and salbutamol (2 mg/5 ml). It is used to treat productive cough with bronchospasm by thinning mucus and opening airways. It is available by prescription only and should be taken exactly as directed by a doctor.

  • Generic Name: Ambroxol + Salbutamol
  • Manufacturer: Zoic Lifesciences
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 astharil-as syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा एम्ब्रोक्सोल और साल्बुटामोल का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग बलगम वाली खांसी और सांस की नली में सिकुड़न (ब्रोंकोस्पाज्म) के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। एम्ब्रोक्सोल गाढ़े बलगम को पतला करता है जिससे उसे खांसकर बाहर निकालना आसान हो जाता है, और साल्बुटामोल सांस की नलियों की मांसपेशियों को ढीला करके सांस लेने में आसानी प्रदान करता है। यह दवा ब्रोंकाइटिस, अस्थमा और अन्य श्वसन रोगों में लाभकारी है। यह केवल डॉक्टर के पर्चे पर मिलती है और डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार ही लेनी चाहिए।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में जी मिचलाना, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, घबराहट, हाथ-पैरों में कंपन, और दिल की धड़कन तेज होना शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में दिल की धड़कन अनियमित होना, सीने में दर्द, सांस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, और पोटैशियम की कमी शामिल हैं। अगर कोई गंभीर लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को हमेशा डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। अपनी मर्जी से मात्रा न बढ़ाएं। हर बार उपयोग से पहले बोतल को अच्छी तरह हिलाएं और दवा के साथ दिए गए मापने वाले कप या चम्मच से ही मात्रा लें। इस दवा के साथ शराब न पिएं क्योंकि इससे चक्कर और दिल की धड़कन बढ़ सकती है। अगर आपको दिल की बीमारी, उच्च रक्तचाप, मधुमेह, थायरॉइड, या लिवर-किडनी की समस्या है तो डॉक्टर को पहले बताएं। गाड़ी चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें जब तक आपको पता न चल जाए कि यह दवा आप पर कैसा असर करती है। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।

💡 Did You Know? India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand.

💊 astharil-as syrup Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Productive cough with bronchospasm","description":"Helps loosen thick mucus and relaxes airway muscles, making it easier to cough out secretions and breathe more comfortably.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Acute bronchitis with mucus hypersecretion","description":"Used to reduce mucus viscosity and relieve associated bronchospasm in acute bronchitis.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Chronic bronchitis with reversible airway obstruction","description":"Provides symptomatic relief by thinning mucus and opening airways in chronic bronchitis flares.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Asthma with thick mucus plugging","description":"May be used as add-on therapy when mucus plugging contributes to breathing difficulty, but not as a sole asthma controller.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Prevention of respiratory distress in preterm infants","description":"Ambroxol has been studied off-label for antenatal lung maturation, but this is not a standard use for this combination syrup.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with mucus","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label for mucus clearance in COPD, but evidence for this fixed combination is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Productive cough with bronchospasm

Also treats: Acute bronchitis, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma with mucus plugging

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Ambroxol + Salbutamol
Brand NameAmbrodil-S Syrup
ManufacturerZoic Lifesciences
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassRESPIRATORY
Action ClassMucolytic + Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not freeze.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Always prescribe this medicine only for productive cough with bronchospasm, not for dry cough.
2
Advise patients to take the medicine with food to minimize stomach upset.
3
Warn patients about the risk of tachycardia and tremor, especially at higher doses.
4
Monitor potassium levels in patients on diuretics or corticosteroids.
5
Caution patients with heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes before prescribing.
6
Instruct patients not to exceed the recommended dose and to complete the course as prescribed.
7
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Productive cough with thick mucus
This medicine is commonly prescribed for this.
Likely Use
✅
Wheezing and difficulty breathing
The salbutamol component helps relieve bronchospasm.
Likely Use
❌
Dry cough
This medicine is not effective for dry cough.
Not Primary
❌
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionSalbutamol is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Ambroxol is also rapidly absorbed from the gut. Food may slightly delay the absorption of salbutamol but does not significantly reduce the overall effect.
DistributionBoth active ingredients are widely distributed throughout the body. Salbutamol crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Ambroxol also distributes into lung tissue and respiratory secretions, which is important for its mucolytic action.
Protein BindingSalbutamol is approximately 10% bound to plasma proteins. Ambroxol is approximately 90% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismSalbutamol undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, mainly by conjugation to inactive sulfate esters. Ambroxol is metabolized in the liver by conjugation and oxidation to inactive metabolites.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of salbutamol is approximately 4 to 6 hours. The elimination half-life of ambroxol is approximately 7 to 12 hours.
ExcretionSalbutamol and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine, with a small amount in the feces. Ambroxol and its metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine.
BioavailabilityThe oral bioavailability of salbutamol is approximately 40% due to first-pass metabolism. The oral bioavailability of ambroxol is approximately 70% to 80%.
Onset of ActionThe bronchodilator effect of salbutamol usually begins within 15 to 30 minutes after oral administration. The mucolytic effect of ambroxol may take several hours to become noticeable.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma concentrations of salbutamol are reached within 2 to 4 hours after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations of ambroxol are reached within 1 to 3 hours.
Duration of ActionThe bronchodilator effect of salbutamol lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours. The mucolytic effect of ambroxol lasts longer and may require regular dosing to maintain benefit.

How It Works

This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary actions. Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent that reduces the viscosity of respiratory secretions by breaking down acidic mucopolysaccharide fibers and stimulating surfactant production, which helps thin mucus and aids its clearance. Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, causing relaxation and bronchodilation. Together, they improve mucus clearance and airway patency in conditions where both thick secretions and bronchospasm coexist.

Mechanism Steps

1
Salbutamol binds beta-2 receptors: Salbutamol binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors on the surface of bronchial smooth muscle cells.
2
Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation: This binding activates intracellular cyclic AMP, which leads to relaxation of the smooth muscle and widening of the airways.
3
Ambroxol thins mucus: Ambroxol reduces the viscosity of mucus by breaking down acidic mucopolysaccharide fibers and stimulating surfactant production.
4
Improved mucociliary clearance: The thinner mucus is more easily moved by cilia and coughed out, helping to clear the airways.
5
Combined symptomatic relief: The combination of bronchodilation and mucus clearance leads to easier breathing and reduced cough effort.

💡 How to Take astharil-as syrup

Strength: Each 5 ml of syrup contains ambroxol 30 mg and salbutamol 2 mg.

1Shake the bottle well before each use.
2Measure the prescribed dose using the measuring cup or spoon provided with the medicine.
3Take the medicine orally with a glass of water.
4Take it with food or immediately after meals to reduce stomach upset.
5Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
6If you miss a dose, follow the missed dose instructions.
7Wash the measuring cup after each use and keep it clean.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this medicine is 10 ml (2 teaspoons) three times a day, or as prescribed by your doctor. The dose may be adjusted based on your condition and response to treatment. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more sensitive to the cardiovascular effects of salbutamol. Use with caution and start with a lower dose as prescribed by your doctor. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal and hepatic function.
Renal ImpairmentUse with caution in patients with severe renal impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult your doctor for guidance.
Hepatic ImpairmentUse with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult your doctor for guidance.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose is 30 ml (6 teaspoons) in divided doses, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset and nausea.
Caffeine-containing foods and drinks
Limit intake
May increase nervousness, tremor, and heart rate.
High-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, oranges)
Maintain normal intake
Helps prevent potassium loss, but avoid excessive intake if you have kidney problems.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of astharil-as syrup

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take the medicine with food to reduce stomach upset. If nausea persists, consult your doctor.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Rest and stay hydrated. Consult your doctor if the headache is severe or persistent.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel normal. Consult your doctor if dizziness continues.
Nervousness (Common (5-10%))
Try relaxation techniques. If it interferes with daily activities, talk to your doctor.
Tremor (Common (5-10%))
Usually temporary. If tremor is bothersome, consult your doctor for dose adjustment.
Increased heart rate (Common (5-10%))
Monitor your pulse. If you notice a persistent fast heartbeat, contact your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Palpitations (Uncommon (1-2%))
Seek medical attention if you feel your heart racing or pounding.
Chest pain (Rare (<0.1%))
Stop the medicine and seek emergency medical help immediately.
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek emergency care if you experience swelling of the face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing.
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) (Rare (<0.1%))
Report muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heartbeat to your doctor promptly.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Paradoxical bronchospasm
Stop the medicine and seek immediate medical help if breathing becomes worse after taking it.
Severe skin reactions
Discontinue and consult a doctor if you notice rash, blisters, or peeling skin.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Propranolol Major
MAOIs Major
Tricyclic antidepressants Major
Furosemide Moderate
Corticosteroids Moderate
Theophylline Moderate
Ipratropium Minor
Digoxin Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
  • Corticosteroids
  • Xanthine derivatives (e.g., theophylline)

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may increase dizziness, drowsiness, and heart rate when taken with this medicine. It is best to avoid alcohol while using this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to ambroxol, salbutamol, or any component of the formulation","Severe cardiovascular disease including severe heart failure, arrhythmias, or recent myocardial infarction","Severe uncontrolled hypertension","Hyperthyroidism","Severe hepatic or renal impairment","Children under 2 years of age (unless specifically prescribed by a pediatrician)"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["This medicine should be used with caution in patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, or arrhythmias.","Patients with diabetes may experience increased blood sugar levels; monitor glucose regularly.","Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma.","Do not exceed the recommended dose; excessive use may cause severe cardiovascular effects.","If you have a history of seizures, consult your doctor before using this medicine.","This medicine may cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Do not use this medicine for a dry cough or for prolonged periods without medical advice."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Salbutamol is excreted in breast milk, but the amount is small and unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Ambroxol is also excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose of this medicine may cause severe tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, headache, nausea, and hypokalemia. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and serum potassium levels. There is no specific antidote.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dose or take it more often than directed. Shake the bottle well before each use and measure the dose with the provided measuring cup or spoon, not a household spoon. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine because it can worsen dizziness and increase heart rate. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or liver or kidney disease, tell your doctor before starting this medicine. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the cardiovascular effects of salbutamol, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Use with caution and monitor closely. Dose adjustment may be needed based on kidney and liver function.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The safety of this combination in pregnancy has not been well established. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

If you have recently had surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. Salbutamol can affect heart rate and blood pressure during surgery. Your doctor may adjust the dose or temporarily stop the medicine.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. Salbutamol can cause dry mouth and may interact with certain medications used in dentistry. Your dentist may recommend taking the medicine as usual unless advised otherwise.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Stay well hydrated to help thin mucus.
🥗
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
😴
Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.
💧
Practice deep breathing exercises to improve lung function.
🧘
Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
🌞
Avoid known allergens that trigger your respiratory symptoms.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise until your breathing improves. Gentle walking and breathing exercises are usually safe. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include warm fluids like soups and herbal teas to help soothe the throat and thin mucus.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Avoid cold drinks and ice cream, which may worsen cough.
Limit caffeine intake as it can increase nervousness and heart rate.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause dizziness, tremor, or increased heart rate, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. It is usually safe to continue desk work, but take breaks if you feel dizzy.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 5 to 7 days, if they worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects. Do not stop abruptly if you have been taking it regularly for a long time without consulting your doctor.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine should be under medical supervision. Prolonged use of salbutamol may lead to tolerance and reduced effectiveness. Regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and potassium levels is advised. Do not use this medicine for longer than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Steam inhalation

Helps loosen mucus and soothe airways.

Evidence: Traditional
Chest physiotherapy

Techniques to help clear mucus from the lungs.

Evidence: Well-established
Saline nasal irrigation

Can help clear nasal congestion and improve breathing.

Evidence: Moderate

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for a vaccination, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✅ DO

Keep out of reach of children

❌ DON'T

Do not use after expiry date

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription in case customs or security asks for it. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you are crossing time zones, adjust your dosing schedule gradually to avoid missing doses. Do not leave the medicine in a hot car or checked luggage. Check the expiry date before you travel.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old man with acute bronchitis and thick mucus
He was prescribed this medicine three times a day. After two days, he noticed that his cough became more productive and breathing was easier. He took it with food to avoid stomach upset and completed the five-day course as advised.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine with food improves tolerability, and completing the full course helps clear the infection and mucus.
👤 A 50-year-old woman with chronic bronchitis and bronchospasm
She experienced mild hand tremors and a faster heartbeat after starting the medicine. Her doctor reduced the dose, and the side effects subsided while she continued to get relief from her symptoms.
💡 Lesson: Side effects like tremor and tachycardia are dose-related and can be managed by adjusting the dose under medical supervision.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: The bronchodilator effect usually starts within 15 to 30 minutes, while the mucolytic effect may take a few hours to become noticeable.

Q: Can I take this medicine with food?

A: Yes, it is best to take this medicine with food to reduce stomach upset.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Q: Is it safe to take this medicine during pregnancy?

A: Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. The safety of this combination in pregnancy has not been well studied.

Q: Can I take this medicine for a dry cough?

A: No, this medicine is only for productive cough with bronchospasm. It is not effective for dry cough.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my heart?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for astharil-as syrup

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can cure any type of cough.
    Fact: This medicine is only for productive cough with bronchospasm. It is not effective for dry cough or cough due to other causes.
  • Myth: More medicine means faster relief.
    Fact: Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause serious side effects like rapid heartbeat and low potassium. Always follow the prescribed dose.
  • Myth: It is safe to take without a prescription.
    Fact: This medicine contains salbutamol, which can affect the heart and blood pressure. It should only be used under medical supervision.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Ambroxol + Salbutamol syrup (various manufacturers)

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"This medicine (Ambroxol + Salbutamol)","composition":"Ambroxol 30 mg + Salbutamol 2 mg per 5 ml","primary_use":"Productive cough with bronchospasm","key_difference":"Combines mucolytic and bronchodilator actions."},{"medicine":"Ambroxol + Terbutaline","composition":"Ambroxol 30 mg + Terbutaline 1.25 mg per 5 ml","primary_use":"Productive cough with bronchospasm","key_difference":"Terbutaline is a different bronchodilator with similar effects."},{"medicine":"Salbutamol syrup alone","composition":"Salbutamol 2 mg per 5 ml","primary_use":"Bronchospasm","key_difference":"Does not contain a mucolytic agent."}]

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