Respo Mechanism of Action

Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Mucolytic.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Ambroxol, a substituted benzylamine, is a metabolite of bromhexine. It differs from bromhexine by the absence of a methyl group and the introduction of a hydroxyl group in the para-trans position of the cyclohexyl ring. Although its mechanism of action has yet to be completely elucidated; secretolytic and secretomotor effects have been found in various investigations. However, on average, action following oral administration commences after 30 min and persist for 6-12 hrs depending on the extent of the single dose.
In preclinical investigations, it increases the proportion of serous bronchial secretion. The transport of mucus is thought to be promoted by the reduction of viscosity and the activation of the ciliated epithelium. Ambroxol induces activation of the surfactant system by acting directly on the type II pneumocytes of the alveoles and the Clara cells in the region of the small airways. It promotes the formation and outward transfer of surface-active material in the alveolar and bronchial region of the lungs. These effects have been demonstrated in cell cultures and in vivo on various species.
Acetylcysteine undergoes rapid deacetylation in vivo to yield cysteine or oxidation to yield diacetylcysteine. Acetylcysteine is a potent mucolytic agent. The mucolytic action of acetylcysteine is probably due to the opening of disulfide bonds in the mucus mucoproteins by acetylcysteine’s sulfhydryl group. Acetylcysteine acts as surfactant to expel mucus. Exerts synergistic action due to ambroxol and acetylcysteine. Acetylcysteine also control cellular damage in pulmonary diseases.