Zebrolin

INTRODUCTION

Zebrolin contains Acebrophylline which belongs to the group of medicines called bronchodilators. It is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma and bronchitis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic progressive inflammatory lung disease caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or cigarette smoking, which results in obstructed airflow from lungs. It is characterized by difficulty in breathing, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic medical condition in which the airway path of the lungs becomes swollen and narrow. Bronchitis is defined as the inflammation of lining of bronchial tubes which results in daily cough and mucus (sputum) production. Acebrophylline has bronchodilating, mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes relaxation of bronchial muscles, reduces mucus secretions and inhibits the production of powerful pro-inflammatory cytokines which results in inflammation.

The most common side effects occur during this medication are transient nausea and dizziness, which is usually reversible. On cessation of therapy, these symptoms tend to disappear within few days. Others are stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation or heart burn. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have severe kidney or liver disease. This medicine should be used with extreme caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking. This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in children unless prescribed by your physician.

USES OF Zebrolin

• Treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Treats bronchial asthma
• Treats bronchitis

HOW Zebrolin WORKS

Zebrolin inhibits the secretions of intracellular phosphodiesterases and increase the levels of cyclic-AMP, leading to the relaxation of bronchial muscles and bronchodilation. It acts as a mucolytic by decreasing the viscosity of secretions and by increasing mucociliary clearance. It also inhibits the production of powerful pro-inflammatory substances like leukotrienes and tumor necrosis factor and reduces inflammation in airways.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take Zebrolin as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, weight and body condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF Zebrolin

SERIOUS

• Chills and fevers

COMMON

• Transient nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Abdominal distension or pain
• Diarrhea, constipation, heart burn
• Loss of appetite
• Esophageal bleeding
• Skin rash or itching
• Difficulty in breathing
• Nasal inflammation

RARE

• Headache
• Occasional numbness including numbness in arm
• Insomnia (lack of sleep)
• Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• High or low blood pressure

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Constipation: 

Eat fibre rich foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the scalp. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better within a week, speak to a doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

Zebrolin is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING

Zebrolin is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine, because it may increase the risks of side effects.

KIDNEY

Zebrolin should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER

Zebrolin should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to acebrophylline, ambroxol, theophylline or any other xanthine derivatives.

HEART DISEASE

Do not take this medicine if you are suffering from severe heart diseases like acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, hypotension, hemodynamic instability, and arrhythmias. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

• Medicines used to treat infections (e.g. ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, amoxicillin, thiabendazole and doxycycline)
• Medicines used to treat heart problems (e.g. diltiazem, verapamil, frusemide, isoprenaline)
• Allopurinol (used to treat gout)
• Cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers)
• Corticosteroids (used to treat inflammatory disease)
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT Zebrolin

Can I take birth control pills with Zebrolin?

No. Avoid concomitant use of oral contraceptives with this medicine, because it can increase the risk of side effects.

Can Zebrolin be taken during pregnancy?

No. The medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking.

What are the uses of Zebrolin?

It is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma and bronchitis.