Pulmoclear

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Pulmoclear

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Pulmoclear

Property Description
Active Ingredients Acebrofylline, Acetylcysteine, Guaifenesin, Terbutaline
Form Oral preparations (e.g., Tablet, Syrup/Suspension)
Pharmacological Class Bronchodilator, Mucolytic Agent, and Expectorant Combination
General Purpose To improve airflow and facilitate the clearance of mucus
Origin Synthetic/Derived

What Type of Medicine is Pulmoclear?

Pulmoclear is classified as a Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) medicine used in the comprehensive management of common respiratory conditions. This means it is a single oral preparation, typically a tablet or syrup, that contains multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients. The drug is a synthetic/derived medication designed to offer simultaneous relief from both constricted airways and excessive mucus. Unlike single-ingredient products that treat only one symptom, Pulmoclear is intended to provide a multi-action approach. Its high-level purpose is to make breathing easier and more comfortable for individuals experiencing difficulty due to congestion.

What is Pulmoclear's Composition and Class?

Pulmoclear is made up of four distinct active ingredients: Acebrofylline, Acetylcysteine, Guaifenesin, and Terbutaline. Pharmacologically, this composition combines the actions of three major drug classes. Acebrofylline and Terbutaline act as Bronchodilators (to widen air passages), while Acetylcysteine functions as a Mucolytic Agent, and Guaifenesin acts as an Expectorant. Acetylcysteine functions by reducing mucus viscosity, showing that this medicine is designed to thin the phlegm and make it less sticky. Terbutaline is a beta2-adrenergic agonist, a class that helps relax smooth muscle in the bronchial tubes. This comprehensive mix of ingredients ensures the medicine addresses the primary issues of airway obstruction and mucus buildup simultaneously.

What is the General Purpose of Pulmoclear?

The general purpose of Pulmoclear is to provide synergistic relief by targeting the causes of breathing difficulty at multiple points within the respiratory system. For instance, the medicine is commonly sought when a patient is experiencing both heavy, sticky mucus buildup and a noticeable tightness in the chest. It achieves this by simultaneously opening up constricted air passages and helping to clear heavy, sticky phlegm from the lungs and airways. This combined action is intended to significantly reduce the labored effort of breathing and help restore normal air flow, thereby improving the patient's general respiratory comfort.

What side effects are possible with Pulmoclear?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official safety documentation for the components of Pulmoclear details adverse reactions, which are classified by their frequency and the physiological system affected. The most Common side effects documented in official labeling typically involve the Gastrointestinal and Nervous System domains.

Reactions classified as Common (occurring in up to 1 in 10 patients) include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Headache. Effects related to the Cardiac/Vascular System are also noted as Common, such as Heart Palpitations and Tachycardia (increased heart rate). The regulatory documents state that nervous system effects like Tremor and Tachycardia may be more common at the start of treatment or following a dose increase.


Adverse Reactions by Classification

Classification System/Organ Class Examples
Common Nervous System Tremor, Headache, Nervousness
Common Gastrointestinal Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Common Cardiac/Vascular Palpitations, Tachycardia
Uncommon Metabolism & Nutrition Hyperglycemia (changes in blood glucose)

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Considerations

Official labels document potential Serious Adverse Reactions, including severe, rare forms of Hypersensitivity such as Anaphylaxis. The potential for Paradoxical Bronchospasm is also noted in the safety profile of the bronchodilator component. Safety considerations are explicitly documented for certain populations. Patients with Pre-existing Cardiovascular Conditions and Older Adults (geriatric) require specific safety review due to the potential for increased susceptibility to the cardiovascular and nervous system effects of the medicine.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose of a combination product containing a xanthine derivative, a beta2-agonist, a mucolytic, and an expectorant is primarily characterized by the documented toxicological profile of the bronchodilator components. Symptoms are classified into clusters affecting the cardiovascular, central nervous, and gastrointestinal systems.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Officially documented signs include tachycardia (rapid heart rate), palpitations, and a fall in blood pressure. Neurological manifestations may present as tremor, headache, and agitation, with the severe outcome of generalized tonic-clonic convulsive seizures documented as a potential first sign of serious intoxication. Gastrointestinal distress is common, presenting as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Metabolic changes, such as transient hypokalemia (low potassium) and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), are also officially noted in the regulatory labels.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Immediate medical attention is required in the event of suspected overdose. Regulator-mandated action is to contact emergency services if the individual has collapsed, experiences a seizure, or has significant trouble breathing or cannot be awakened. These symptoms indicate a need for urgent hospital care.

In terms of management, a cardioselective beta-receptor blocking agent is noted in labeling as the pharmacological antidote for the beta2-agonist component, though it must be used cautiously. Management is largely symptomatic and supportive, often requiring continuous monitoring of heart rhythm and electrolyte levels.

Therapeutic Uses of Pulmoclear

What Pulmoclear Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Pulmoclear is used to manage symptoms in chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD and Asthma. The medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily addressing airway narrowing and excessive mucus production.

The medication is relevant for easing symptom clusters that include shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent, thick congestion. The medication helps increase the flow of air. This contribution helps ease the patient's overall symptom burden, particularly during episodes where breathing becomes more difficult.

It is applied in scenarios where symptoms may intensify temporarily, and short-term symptomatic assistance is needed. It offers supportive therapeutic benefit, and is commonly used to help with pronounced manifestations, which may assist with maintaining functional stability during difficult periods.

“This contribution helps ease the patient's overall symptom burden, particularly during episodes where breathing becomes more difficult.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Congestion and Tightness

Pulmoclear is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, specifically those caused by excessive mucus and airway tightness.


Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview of bronchodilators

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Pulmoclear is a combination medicine whose official eligibility profile is defined by the most restrictive rules from its components, as stated in regulatory documents.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

Use is absolutely contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to any component or to Xanthine derivatives. The medicine is also strictly prohibited for individuals with active peptic ulcer disease, a history of acute myocardial infarction, severe uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias, or those suffering from an acute asthma attack.

Age- and Condition-Based Restrictions

Classification Status Affected Groups
Age Restriction Not Recommended Children under 12 years of age.
Pregnancy/Lactation Not Recommended Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Conditional Use Use with Caution Patients with hepatic or renal impairment, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or a history of seizures.

Connection to the Overall Eligibility Profile

Regulatory documents establish that while the medicine is generally allowed for use in adults, it is severely restricted by existing patient conditions and age. The profile mandates the exclusion of specific populations with severe concurrent diseases and requires caution for vulnerable groups, ensuring eligibility remains strictly tied to the absence of these specific co-morbidities.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Pulmoclear is a fixed-dose combination medicine whose interaction profile is defined by the regulatory labeling of its components, primarily Terbutaline and Acetylcysteine. The documented interactions are classified based on pharmacodynamic (PD) risk and specific absorption/timing requirements.

Officially Documented Drug Interactions

Category Interacting Agents Official Restriction/Outcome
Contraindication Beta-Blockers Prohibited in asthmatic patients; risk of severe bronchospasm due to beta-blockade of Terbutaline.
Pharmacodynamic Risk MAOIs, TCAs Use with extreme caution; risk of potentiating effects on the vascular system.
Antitussive Drugs Not recommended; risk of buildup of bronchial secretions due to reduced cough reflex from Acetylcysteine.
Diuretics May worsen hypokalemia and ECG changes (Non-potassium-sparing types).
Exposure Alteration Activated Charcoal May reduce the medicine’s effect by hindering absorption.

Timing and Administration Constraints

The official label mandates a temporal separation for certain substances. Oral Antibiotics (e.g., Cephalosporins) must be administered at least two hours before or after the Acetylcysteine component to prevent potential in vitro inactivation. Co-administration with Other Sympathomimetic Agents is not recommended due to the potential for deleterious additive cardiovascular effects. The overall structure reflects standardized regulatory caution against PD reinforcement and altered exposure.

Mechanism of Action

Airway Smooth Muscle Relaxation via Dual Pathway Modulation

This mechanistic domain involves two components acting on the cyclic AMP ( cAMP) signaling pathway to influence the contractile state of smooth muscle. Terbutaline acts as an agonist on beta2 -adrenergic receptors to increase cAMP production, while Acebrofylline inhibits the Phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes that catalyze the degradation of cAMP. This dual modulation leads directly to a decrease in the contractile state of bronchial smooth muscle cells, resulting in an increase in the inner diameter of the bronchial passages.


Chemical Modification and Fluid Enhancement of Secretions

The drug employs a two-pronged strategy to alter the chemical structure and volume of airway secretions. Acetylcysteine chemically reduces the structural disulfide bonds in mucin glycoproteins, resulting in the depolymerization of mucin oligomers. Simultaneously, Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant, stimulating secretory reflexes that increase the volume and water content of the tracheobronchial fluid. This combined action modifies the rheological properties of secretions, influencing their transport potential.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Pulmoclear — Official Administration Guidelines

Pulmoclear is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicine used exclusively through oral administration, available as tablets or a liquid solution. The administration protocol is precisely defined in regulatory documents to ensure consistent and controlled intake.

Administration Scope

Route of administration: Oral administration only.
Dosing schedule (official regimen): The standard regimen for the bronchodilator component is 5 mg administered three times daily, with doses spaced approximately six hours apart during waking hours, not to exceed 15 mg per 24 hours.
Timing in relation to meals: Administration is advised with or immediately after food to help mitigate gastrointestinal effects.
Preparation requirements: Oral solutions must be shaken well prior to use. Tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed.
Age-group administration rules: The medicine is generally not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Adolescents (12–15 years) are prescribed a specific, lower dose of 2.5 mg three times daily, with a maximum of 7.5 mg per 24 hours.
Missed-dose rules: If a scheduled dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, the missed dose must be skipped if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose; do not double a dose to compensate.

Connection to the Overall Use Protocol

The regulatory instruction map establishes a clear, standardized use protocol: the medicine must be taken orally in a precise three-times-daily schedule governed by a six-hour interval, and the total intake is constrained by a maximum daily dose limit. This procedural framework strictly defines the manner in which the medicine is to be administered.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Pulmoclear: Recent Clinical Evidence

Pulmoclear is a fixed-dose combination therapy containing the bronchodilator Acebrophylline and the mucolytic agent Acetylcysteine. Clinical research has focused on its use in managing chronic respiratory conditions, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).


Mechanism of Action Explored in Research

Research has investigated the compound’s dual activity. Studies suggest that Acebrophylline works to relax the smooth muscles lining the airways, which may lead to widening of the air passages (bronchodilation). Concurrently, Acetylcysteine is explored for its ability to reduce the thickness, or viscosity, of mucus (phlegm) in the lungs and airways. This dual influence on lung function and mucus consistency was a core focus of many investigations.


Efficacy and Symptom Assessment

Controlled trials have examined how the combination influences several clinical markers of respiratory health. Key areas of investigation include:

Assessment Area Primary Study Finding
Lung Function Studies examined the change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second ( FEV1) to assess airflow.
Exacerbation Rates Research explored the frequency and severity of acute respiratory episodes in patients with COPD.
Symptom Scores Patient-reported outcomes were measured to assess changes in coughing, breathlessness, and chest tightness.

Research involving the mucolytic component (Acetylcysteine) has shown that it may reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations in some patients with stable disease, with results varying depending on the dose and duration of treatment. Combination therapy trials aim to determine if the bronchodilator component enhances these observed benefits in routine patient care.


Safety and Tolerability Profile

Reported side effects in research participants were generally described as mild. The most commonly reported events included nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and dizziness. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events are typically reported as low across key clinical trials.

Key Studies & References

  1. Fixed-Dose Combination Therapy of Acebrophylline and Acetylcysteine in Chronic Bronchitis: A Phase III Clinical Trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Pulmoclear (FAQ)

Q: What is the generic name for Pulmoclear?

Pulmoclear is a brand name for a fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicine. According to official documents, its composition includes the active ingredients Acebrophylline, Acetylcysteine, Guaifenesin, and Terbutaline.


Q: Can Pulmoclear also treat seasonal allergies or only chronic diseases?

Official information indicates that Pulmoclear is authorized for use in the management of constricted airways (bronchospasm) linked to chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. Seasonal allergies are not typically listed as an official indication for this medicine.


Q: Is Pulmoclear a steroid medication?

No. The active ingredients in Pulmoclear are classified as a Bronchodilator, a Mucolytic Agent, and an Expectorant. The medicine is classified based on its active ingredients and does not fall into the corticosteroid (steroid) class of medicines.


Q: Does Pulmoclear have a smell or taste when administered?

Official product literature for one of the active ingredients, Acetylcysteine, describes that it may have an unpleasant odor, often characterized as a sulfur smell. This characteristic can influence the taste experience during administration.


Q: How long does it usually take to feel the full therapeutic effects of Pulmoclear?

For the bronchodilator component, a measurable change in airflow is generally seen within about 30 minutes following administration. The maximum effect on airflow is typically achieved within 2 to 3 hours.


Q: What is the difference between taking Pulmoclear in the morning versus at night?

Regulatory instructions define the dosing schedule as doses spaced approximately six hours apart. Official documentation does not provide specific instructions differentiating between administration in the morning versus at night, beyond adhering to this time-spacing rule during the patient's waking hours.


Q: Will Pulmoclear make me feel a difference in my breathing immediately?

Official information indicates that the bronchodilator component does not act immediately, with the onset of action generally seen around 30 minutes after administration. Regulatory product information notes that the medicine is not intended for use in sudden or acute breathing problems and a rescue medicine is generally designated for such purposes.


Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Pulmoclear?

Official product literature often discusses potential alcohol interactions related to the bronchodilator component. Specific guidance on concurrent use with alcohol is typically determined by a healthcare professional.


Q: Is there an increased risk of infections like pneumonia associated with Pulmoclear use?

Official safety documents do not explicitly state an increased risk of infections like pneumonia. However, the product label notes that a potential severe adverse reaction may include fever or other respiratory symptoms. The presence of these symptoms is often listed as a reason to seek medical review.


Q: Can I use Pulmoclear if I have an existing eye condition like glaucoma?

Regulatory documents do not typically list glaucoma as a specific contraindication. However, because the medicine contains a sympathomimetic drug (Terbutaline), caution is noted for patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, which may indirectly relate to other systemic concerns.


Q: Is Pulmoclear a 'new' drug or has it been available for many years?

The individual active components of Pulmoclear, such as Acetylcysteine and Terbutaline, have been available and authorized for medical use for many years. The specific Fixed-Dose Combination product may have a more recent approval date.

How should Pulmoclear be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Pulmoclear

Official regulatory documents define specific conditions for storing and disposing of Pulmoclear to maintain its stability and prevent accidental harm.

Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at room temperature, typically 15 C to 25 C (59 F to 77 F).
Environment Keep in a cool and dry place. Protect from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.
Container Keep the medicine in its original container and ensure it is tightly closed.
Child Safety Store out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired medicine must be discarded properly. Do not flush Pulmoclear down the toilet or pour it into a drain. The preferred method is using a drug take-back program. If unavailable, mix the medicine with an undesirable substance (such as dirt or used coffee grounds) and seal it in a container before placing it in the household trash.

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

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