Macbery JUNIOR

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Macbery JUNIOR

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Macbery JUNIOR

Macbery JUNIOR: Identity and Pharmacological Classification

Property Description
Active Ingredients Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol, Guaifenesin
Form Oral Solution (Syrup)
Pharmacological Class Bronchodilator, Mucolytic Agent, Expectorant
General Purpose Symptomatic relief of congestion and cough
Type Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC)

Macbery JUNIOR is an officially designated Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) drug, specifically developed as a Pediatric formulation. This Combination Therapy agent is broadly classified as a preparation possessing simultaneous Bronchodilator, Mucolytic Agent, and Expectorant properties, and is clinically recognized for managing complex respiratory symptoms. The drug’s identity as an FDC is key to its therapeutic strategy, allowing it to address multiple factors contributing to common respiratory disorders through **pharmacological synergism.


What Ingredients and Form are in Macbery JUNIOR Syrup?

The medicine is presented as an Oral Solution or Syrup, a monophasic liquid dosage form intended for oral administration, simplifying use for its target group. The formulation contains three distinct synthetic active ingredients: Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol, and Guaifenesin. Levosalbutamol Sulfate acts as the Beta-2 Agonist component, aiding in the widening of bronchial passages. Pharmacological studies confirm the intended benefit of Ambroxol (Mucolytic) in reducing the viscosity of sputum, facilitating easier clearance from the airways. The JUNIOR designation emphasizes that this specific liquid preparation is optimized and intended for Children and Pediatric patients, a unique differentiating factor from standard adult forms.


General Purpose: Symptomatic Relief of Respiratory Conditions

The general purpose of this combination is to provide Symptomatic relief from Productive cough and Bronchial congestion. The formulation is typically used when an individual experiences Obstructive airway diseases characterized by both bronchospasm and excessive, thick mucus. The components promote airway smooth muscle relaxation (Bronchodilation) and Mucociliary clearance enhancement. This combined effect on physiological actions supports the primary goal of improving airflow and assisting the body's effort to expel excessive mucus, which is a verified therapeutic approach for these specific conditions.

What side effects are possible with Macbery JUNIOR?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section describes the officially documented adverse reactions and safety characteristics associated with the fixed-dose combination of Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol, and Guaifenesin, based on regulatory labeling.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most frequently listed side effects, often classified as common in official documents, primarily involve the nervous and cardiac systems. These include tremor (fine shaking of the hands), headache, palpitations, and tachycardia (increased heart rate). Other common effects include nausea and vomiting. These stimulating effects are often observed at the start of treatment but are noted to diminish with continued therapy, according to regulatory texts.

System-Organ Classes and Serious Reactions

Adverse effects are documented across several system-organ classes, including Cardiac Disorders, Nervous System Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders. The label notes the potential for significant hypokalaemia (low potassium levels) and for clinically significant cardiovascular effects in certain individuals. Serious adverse reactions officially documented include sudden, life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm and immediate hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema or anaphylaxis.

Safety Restrictions and Population Considerations

Official labeling contraindicates use in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component and in those with pre-existing ischaemic heart disease or severe uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. Caution is advised for use in individuals with diabetes mellitus (due to potential changes in blood glucose), cardiac arrhythmias, or severe hepatic or renal impairment. Regulatory documents emphasize that the recommended dose must not be exceeded.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose involving Macbery JUNIOR, a combination medicine, is characterized primarily by the documented toxic effects of the Levosalbutamol component. Official regulatory documents indicate that overdose may present with signs of central nervous system and cardiovascular overstimulation, including tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), tremor, nervousness, and headache. Physiological systems affected include the metabolic system, with severe manifestations such as hypokalemia (low potassium) and metabolic acidosis officially described.

Regulators classify overdose as a serious event due to the potential for life-threatening outcomes, including cardiac arrest, seizures, fatalities linked to excessive sympathomimetic use, and paradoxical bronchospasm.

Emergency Medical Action

Regulatory guidance mandates specific, immediate action in suspected overdose cases. You must seek immediate medical attention and contact a Poison Control Center right away. Emergency services (such as 911) must be called immediately if the affected person has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened.

Official management procedures are symptomatic and supportive, often requiring continuous monitoring of vital signs and electrolyte levels. No specific antidote is known for the Ambroxol component. Accumulation of metabolites is expected in patients with severe renal or liver impairment, a population-specific consideration noted in the labeling.

Therapeutic Uses of Macbery JUNIOR

Macbery JUNIOR is a treatment intended to help manage the symptoms associated with various respiratory issues, primarily focusing on relief from cough and related discomfort in pediatric patients. The medication is designed to support ease of breathing and aid in improving overall comfort when symptoms are present.

It is commonly considered for clinical scenarios involving acute cough, which may accompany common colds or upper respiratory tract infections. It also assists with the management of persistent coughs that may be related to underlying conditions such as bronchitis. The therapeutic goal is to alleviate irritating symptoms, which in turn helps support more comfortable rest and recovery.

Quick Fact: Relief for Cough The medication's action is designed to support the reduction of cough frequency and intensity in patients experiencing acute and persistent symptoms.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility for Macbery JUNIOR: Official Regulatory Information

The official drug label for this Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) of Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol, and Guaifenesin defines specific populations who can and cannot use the medicine.


Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Pediatric patients (children) and adults for the approved indication, provided no contraindications are present.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to any component or excipient in the formulation. Patients with pre-existing ischaemic heart disease, active gastric ulceration, or thyrotoxicosis must not use the medicine.
Age-related eligibility rules Not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility Not recommended for use in breastfeeding mothers. Use during pregnancy is restricted and should be administered only after careful consideration.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Use requires caution in patients with severe renal impairment or hepatic impairment (kidney or liver problems). Use also requires caution in patients with Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, or other serious cardiac disorders.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section outlines officially documented interaction patterns for Macbery JUNIOR, a combination containing Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol, and Guaifenesin, strictly according to government regulatory sources.


Documented Pharmacodynamic and Exposure Interactions

Co-administration with non-selective beta-blockers is not recommended due to the potential for pharmacodynamic antagonism of Levosalbutamol's effect, which carries a risk of severe bronchial restriction. Similarly, co-use with cough suppressants (e.g., Codeine) is discouraged with the Ambroxol component as it may lead to the serious obstruction of airways due to suppressed mucus clearance.

Interacting Substance Category Official Regulatory Outcome
Diuretics, Xanthine Derivatives, Corticosteroids Potentiation of beta-agonist induced hypokalaemia (low blood potassium).
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Increased risk of cardiovascular side effects; requires extreme caution if administered within two weeks of discontinuing these agents.
Certain Antibiotics (e.g., Amoxicillin, Erythromycin) Increased antibiotic concentrations in respiratory tract mucus due to the Ambroxol component.

Other Interaction Constraints

The Guaifenesin component produces a metabolite that can cause color interference with laboratory determinations for Urinary VMA and 5-HIAA. Caution is also noted for patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment, as the clearance of Ambroxol metabolites may be reduced.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Macbery JUNIOR is achieved through the synergistic action of three components on distinct physiological systems within the respiratory tract.

The bronchodilator component, Levosalbutamol, acts as a selective agonist at beta2-Adrenoceptors (beta2-ARs) on bronchial smooth muscle. This interaction initiates the cAMP / PKA cascade, leading to a decrease in intracellular Ca^2+ concentration and the resulting relaxation of airway smooth muscle, which is the physiological mechanism for bronchodilation.

The second component, Ambroxol, engages the mucolytic mechanism by disrupting the structure of acid mucopolysaccharides within the mucus gel. It also promotes pulmonary surfactant release from Type II Pneumocytes, directly decreasing the viscosity and adhesiveness of the secretions.

The third component, Guaifenesin, operates within the domain of the Autonomic Vagal Reflex Arc. Stimulation of sensory nerves in the gastric mucosa triggers a reflex that increases the output of Bronchial Secretory Glands. This action leads to a greater volume of more hydrated, thinner secretions, which modifies the properties of secretions to facilitate mucociliary transport.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Macbery JUNIOR is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Macbery JUNIOR Syrup, a liquid combination of Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol, and Guaifenesin, is administered exclusively via the oral route. The official usage instructions dictate a standardized approach to dose preparation and scheduling, as defined in regulatory prescribing information.


Dosing and Frequency

Administration follows a fixed-interval schedule, typically involving three doses per day (T.I.D.), to maintain consistent levels of the active ingredients. The medication is intended for short-term use and should not be continued once the acute symptoms necessitating its use have resolved. Dosing for the pediatric formulation is volumetric and age-based, with prescribed volumes ranging from 2.5 mL to 10 mL per dose, depending on the specific age and weight of the patient, as specified on the label.


Administration Requirements

To ensure accurate dosage, the bottle must be shaken well prior to each use. The measured volume must be precise, requiring the use of a calibrated measuring device supplied with the product. Administration is generally permitted with or after food to help minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort, although this detail may vary by specific national label.

Procedural Guidelines

If a dose is missed, it should be taken when remembered, unless the time is very close to the next scheduled dose; in that scenario, the missed dose is skipped to prevent accidental dose doubling. Furthermore, dose adjustment or caution is officially indicated for patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment, reflecting the need for specialized medical oversight in these cases.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Macbery JUNIOR

The following overview summarizes the types of clinical research that have explored the Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol, and Guaifenesin Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC), focusing only on what studies were designed to investigate and what was measured. This information helps contextualize the research base and highlights areas where data remain limited or insufficient, providing context without offering clinical advice or personal predictions.


️ Evidence for Symptomatic Management of Productive Cough and Bronchospasm

Research has explored the combination in the context of managing cough associated with conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations such as productive cough and airway constriction. The evidence base relies on a structure that includes post-marketing trials conducted on the FDC itself, alongside broader reviews of the individual component data.

  • Study Types and Measurements: Research included Phase IV Clinical Trials specifically for the FDC, as well as evidence derived from broader Systematic Reviews of the three active components. Studies monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort, primarily changes measured on the Cough Severity Score (CSS), an objective scale used in research exploring how symptoms change over time.

Research Base for Pediatric Patients

This part of the overview will focus specifically on the studies that included children, detailing the age groups, such as children aged 2 to 12 years and infants and children under 1 year, that were evaluated in the trials and surveillance reports. It will clarify how the research was conducted within the drug’s target demographic.

  • Findings: Findings describe group patterns observed within the target population, based on the specific conditions under which the studies were conducted. Findings help contextualize how patients reported their experience regarding physical discomfort within this specific age range.

⏱️ Focus on Short-Term Studies and Follow-up Duration

The available clinical trials and surveillance studies were studied for short time intervals, with the primary follow-up duration for condition changes generally extending only to 5 days. The follow-up durations were limited. Consequently, the results apply only to the populations studied during these brief periods of research exploring short-term symptom changes. The available evidence covers primarily outcomes describing episodic or acute changes.


️ Research Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

The research base for this FDC shows several limitations. The primary FDC data is derived from Phase IV Post-Marketing Studies. Evidence from large-scale, pre-market Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) remains limited. Long-term effects are not fully established, and limited information for long-term outcomes exists beyond the initial, acute episodes observed in some studies. Uncertainty persists regarding the durability of any observed patterns beyond the immediate study period. Comparative evidence is lacking regarding what was studied when comparing this FDC against other commonly used therapies. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.

Key Studies & References

  1. Efficacy and Safety for the Combination of Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol and Guaifenesin for the Symptomatic Treatment of Productive Cough: Phase IV Clinical Trial
  2. Recommendations of the SEC (Pulmonary) made in its 66th meeting held on 10.01.2023 at - CDSCO (Regulatory context for FDC trial conditions)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Macbery JUNIOR (FAQ)


Q: How is Macbery JUNIOR different from other popular children's cough syrups?

According to the official product information, this medicine is classified as a Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) drug. This means it combines three distinct actions in one formula: a Bronchodilator, a Mucolytic Agent, and an Expectorant. This combination is intended to provide a comprehensive approach to managing cough associated with excess mucus and airway constriction.


Q: Does Macbery JUNIOR contain any sugar, alcohol, or common allergens?

Official product information suggests avoiding alcohol, as it may exacerbate side effects such as drowsiness. Furthermore, the product is officially restricted if there is known allergy (hypersensitivity) to any active or inactive ingredient (excipient) in the formulation. For specific details regarding sugars or other excipients, the patient leaflet or product monograph should be consulted.


Q: Is it safe to use Macbery JUNIOR with common antibiotics or antivirals?

The official documentation on drug interactions notes that the Ambroxol component may cause increased concentrations of certain antibiotics (such as Amoxicillin or Erythromycin) in respiratory mucus. A healthcare provider is the appropriate source for information regarding potential interactions with other pharmaceutical medicines.


Q: Is it possible for Macbery JUNIOR to cause hyperactivity in children?

Official labeling documents that side effects related to the nervous system and heart may occur. These include stimulating effects such as tremor (shaking), palpitations, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and nervousness. These stimulating effects are noted in regulatory information as often diminishing with continued therapy.


Q: Are there contraindications related to allergies to similar types of medicines?

Yes, Macbery JUNIOR is officially contraindicated (should not be used) in any patient who has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to its active components (Levosalbutamol, Ambroxol, Guaifenesin) or any excipient in the formulation.


Q: Is it normal to feel a bit restless after taking Macbery JUNIOR?

The official side effect list includes reports of nervousness and tremor (fine shaking) as potential effects on the central nervous system. These feelings are documented as common stimulating effects.


Q: Can a patient with lactose intolerance or other dietary restrictions use Macbery JUNIOR?

Official use is strictly prohibited if there is known hypersensitivity to any component or excipient. To determine if the product contains specific dietary ingredients like lactose, the official product information includes the comprehensive list of excipients for review.


Q: Is it typical for Macbery JUNIOR to cause drowsiness?

Yes, official regulatory information consistently lists drowsiness (sleepiness) and dizziness as commonly reported side effects of this medicine. These symptoms are related to the central nervous system effects of the drug.


Q: How does Macbery JUNIOR typically affect a patient's sleep or mood?

Official safety data lists common effects on the nervous system, including headache, nervousness, and sleeplessness (insomnia). Since the active ingredients can be stimulating, they may potentially affect a patient’s sleep pattern or mood.


Q: How long does it usually take to feel the initial effects of Macbery JUNIOR?

The product information states that the onset of action generally begins quickly, with relief often reported within 30 minutes to an hour following administration.


Q: Is Macbery JUNIOR prone to misuse or dependence?

According to the official product monograph and safety evaluations, this medicine is designated as non-addictive. Official regulatory reviews have not found any evidence of habit-forming tendencies associated with its use.


Q: Are there official statistics on the incidence of Macbery JUNIOR side effects?

Official adverse reactions are grouped and reported using regulatory frequency categories such as common, uncommon, or serious. While these classifications help understand risk, the standard patient-facing summary typically does not provide specific numerical incidence percentages.

How should Macbery JUNIOR be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Macbery JUNIOR

Official Storage Requirements

Macbery JUNIOR Syrup must be stored at a temperature below 30°C in a clean and dry place. It is essential to protect the medicine from sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain its stability. Keep the product in its original container with the bottle tightly closed after each use. The medicine must not be used past the designated expiry date.

Safety and Disposal Instructions

As a mandatory safety precaution, always keep the medication out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Proper disposal of unused or expired medicine is required: do not flush the syrup in the toilet or dispose of it by throwing it into the drain. Follow official local guidelines for pharmaceutical waste, such as utilizing a drug take-back program or preparing for safe household trash disposal.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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