Pulmorest

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Pulmorest

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 Pulmorest

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Levodropropizine
Form Oral Solution, Syrup, Tablets
Pharmacological class Antitussive (Cough Suppressant)
Common use Symptomatic treatment of dry, non-productive cough
Origin Synthetic S-enantiomer

What is Pulmorest? Identity and Classification

Pulmorest is a synthetic, single-active-ingredient pharmaceutical preparation whose core substance is Levodropropizine, classified within the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System as an Antitussive agent. This medicine is chemically defined as the S-enantiomer of dropropizine, a structure relevant to its focused pharmacological action. As a non-opioid, non-narcotic compound, its distinction from centrally acting cough suppressants indicates that the medication offers a targeted way to control the cough reflex without affecting the central nervous system significantly.

Levodropropizine: Composition and Available Forms

The therapeutic function of the product is derived exclusively from the action of its core substance, Levodropropizine. As a single-ingredient product, it is formulated for oral administration and is manufactured in several common dosage forms, including an easily consumed syrup or oral solution, and in a solid tablet format. The medicine is used for easing the discomfort and disruption caused by frequent, dry coughing.

General Purpose and Peripheral Action Principle

The fundamental purpose of Pulmorest is the symptomatic treatment of non-productive cough—meaning the relief of irritating dry coughs that do not expel phlegm, such as those that frequently accompany upper respiratory tract infections. Levodropropizine achieves this by operating on a peripheral action principle. This mechanism distinguishes it from centrally-acting cough suppressants, as its primary role is to reduce the heightened excitability of the cough receptors located within the tracheobronchial tree rather than directly suppressing the cough center in the brain.

What side effects are possible with Pulmorest?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The regulatory safety profile for Pulmorest (levodropropizine) is based on clinical data and post-marketing surveillance, classifying documented adverse reactions primarily by frequency and the body system affected.

Adverse Reactions Classified by Frequency

Adverse reactions classified as common (occurring in 1 to 10 users out of 100) frequently involve the Gastrointestinal System (e.g., nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal discomfort) and Nervous System (e.g., somnolence, dizziness, headache, exhaustion, or faintness). Other effects such as palpitations are also documented in the common category.

More serious or less frequent events are classified as very rare (occurring in less than 1 out of 10,000 users) or having a frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data). These include severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions), certain cardiac arrhythmias or hypotension, and severe neurological events such as syncope or tonic-clonic convulsions.

Safety Restrictions and Considerations

Regulatory documentation defines specific constraints and populations where use of this medicine is limited or advised against. The medicine is contraindicated in individuals with severe hepatic impairment, those experiencing bronchial hypersecretion or excessive mucus discharge, during pregnancy and lactation, and in children less than two years of age.

Caution is advised for elderly patients due to potential changes in sensitivity and for those with severe renal insufficiency. Furthermore, the possibility of somnolence and dizziness means caution is noted when combining this medicine with sedative drugs.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory information describes the clinical presentation of Levodropropizine overdosage based on limited clinical experience. Documented manifestations may include temporary transitional tachycardia (an increase in heart rate), and, based on a single pediatric case report, non-severe abdominal pain and vomiting.

Immediate Required Actions

Upon the accidental intake of an excessive dose, the patient is required by regulatory guidance to immediately inform a doctor or contact their local hospital. This is mandated regardless of the severity of initial symptoms. The official prescribing information states that, due to the recognized absence of a specific antidote, immediate care must focus on providing symptomatic and supportive therapies.

Officially Documented Supportive Care

Management in a hospital setting may involve the adoption of usual emergency measures, which are documented to include gastric lavage and the administration of activated charcoal. Furthermore, special attention is required for the continuous monitoring of cardiac, respiratory, renal, and hepatic functions, as well as the fluid and electrolytic balance.

Therapeutic Uses of Pulmorest

Pulmorest is intended to provide support for symptom management across a range of respiratory conditions. Its use is focused on clinical scenarios involving shortness of breath, persistent cough, and general respiratory discomfort. The medication is part of a treatment plan to support patients in managing these common difficulties.

Quick Fact: Support for Respiratory Symptoms

Pulmorest is a therapeutic option used for supporting individuals managing symptoms related to specific respiratory conditions, such as shortness of breath or persistent cough, as determined by a healthcare professional. It is designed to offer help with symptoms that interfere with daily activities. The use of the medication is intended to ease the burden of daily symptoms.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Profile for Pulmorest (Levodropropizine)

Official regulatory documents define strict criteria for the use of Pulmorest based on age, pre-existing conditions, and physiological state. Eligibility is primarily restricted to adults and adolescents over 12 years of age, and children aged 2 years and older.

Classification Population or Condition Status as Defined by Regulators
Absolute Contraindications Hypersensitivity to Levodropropizine or excipients Prohibited
Pregnancy or intention to become pregnant Prohibited
Breastfeeding (Lactation) Prohibited
Children below 2 years of age Prohibited
Severe hepatic (liver) impairment Prohibited
Conditions with excessive mucus discharge (Bronchorrhea) Prohibited
Reduced mucociliary function (e.g., Kartagener Syndrome) Prohibited
Conditional Use (Caution) Severe renal (kidney) impairment (CrCl < 35 mL/min) Use with caution
Elderly patients Use with caution
Drivers or machine operators Caution advised

These regulatory classifications clearly outline that the medicine must not be used by specific groups due to established safety and elimination concerns, or risk of symptom aggravation, such as in cases of severe liver impairment or conditions preventing mucus clearance. Use in the elderly or those with severe kidney impairment requires a careful assessment of the benefit-risk ratio, as defined in the official prescribing information.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Pulmorest (Levodropropizine) is primarily defined by the risk of additive Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant effects when co-administered with certain substances, as documented in official regulatory labeling.

Documented Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Official regulatory sources advise caution when Pulmorest is taken with medicinal products that cause CNS depression, particularly in sensitive individuals. This interaction is rooted in the potential for enhanced side effects such as drowsiness and somnolence.

Product Category
Sedative Drugs
Hypnotics
Sedating Anti-Histamine Drugs

Interactions with Other Products

Product Type Regulatory Statement
Alcohol Consumption should be avoided or limited, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects like dizziness and drowsiness.
Food/Supplements No explicit interactions are documented in the official regulatory information.

Official Restrictions and Contraindicated Combinations

  • Formal Combinations: No specific drug-drug combinations are formally listed as contraindicated due to an interaction risk in the regulatory labels.
  • Timing Rules: Official labeling does not mandate a specific time window for separating the administration of Pulmorest from other interacting substances.

Pharmacokinetic and Population Notes

Regulatory documentation does not specify interactions mediated by key metabolic enzymes (e.g., CYP) or drug transporters. Caution is noted for use in elderly patients and those with severe renal impairment, where altered drug handling may be a factor.

Mechanism of Action

Targeted Receptor-Mediated Signaling

Pulmorest acts within domains involving receptor-mediated signaling by selectively engaging specific membrane receptors as an antagonist. This molecular interaction modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes, resulting in the alteration of specific intracellular signaling pathways where distinct mediators dominate.


Regulation of Dysregulated Enzyme Pathways

The drug engages mechanisms that regulate overactive or dysregulated processes by influencing key enzymatic pathways. Pulmorest functions as an inhibitor, which affects enzyme kinetics. This effect initiates or suppresses signaling sequences that are often involved in heightened pathway responses, affecting the subsequent physiological downstream activity by modulating second messenger concentration.


Modulation of Key Intracellular Cascades

Pulmorest is relevant in systems where targeted pathway adjustment is required, specifically focusing on mechanistic cascades associated with pathway regulation. It modifies multiple layers of pathway activation by influencing protein-protein interactions. This action ultimately impacts gene expression and influences the cellular concentration of mediators and subsequent pathway activity.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Pulmorest is Used: Administration Guidelines

Pulmorest (Levodropropizine) is formulated for oral administration as a syrup, oral solution, or tablet. Its usage follows specific schedules to manage short-term symptoms, including defined administration frequency and duration.


Standard Dosing and Frequency

Population Single Dose Maximum Daily Frequency
Adults and Adolescents (>12 years) 60 mg Up to 3 times daily (t.i.d.)
Children (2-12 years) 1 mg/kg Up to 3 times daily (t.i.d.)

The standard single dose for adults is 60 mg, and the total daily intake is not to exceed 180 mg. Doses are separated by a minimum interval of at least 6 hours to maintain the intended use pattern.


Administration Conditions and Duration

For accurate intake of liquid formulations, a dosing device supplied with the product is used for measurement. The medicine is generally taken away from meals or between meals.

Treatment duration is intended to be short-term. The course of administration is recommended for a maximum period not exceeding seven consecutive days, and use is discontinued once the cough symptoms have resolved.

Population-Specific Rules

For children between 2 and 12 years of age, the dosing is based on body weight (1 mg/kg per dose). Use of this medicine is not established or is contraindicated in children under two years of age. Caution is required in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 35 mL/min).

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Pulmorest


Evidence for Acute, Non-Productive Cough

Pulmorest (Levodropropizine) was studied in research contexts involving dry, non-productive cough that often accompanies acute conditions like a cold or bronchitis. The main body of research consists of short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These trial designs are used in research to explore how symptoms change over time and compare outcomes across different groups. Researchers primarily examined patient-reported outcomes focused on the acute cough phase, including measuring changes in cough frequency and cough severity. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies over the short-term follow-up periods.

Despite the volume of research, data that specifically track the medicine's effect on long-term functional measures are generally absent. Long-term outcomes beyond the typical seven-day treatment window are not fully established, as the existing studies primarily focused on the acute, short-duration period of heightened symptom activity.


Research in Other Chronic Cough Situations

Research has also explored the use of Pulmorest in specific, chronic contexts where cough is a significant concern. This evidence was observed in a narrower set of studies, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies. These research settings involved adults diagnosed with pulmonary malignancy (such as lung cancer) where cough was explored in studies examining symptom intensity or variability. Findings for this type of condition typically involve small groups, which means the sample sizes were modest.


Comparing Pulmorest Studies to Placebo and Other Medicines

The clinical research for Pulmorest often included comparison groups to provide context for the findings. Many of the RCTs were designed to compare the reported changes in cough symptoms in groups receiving Pulmorest versus groups receiving an inactive placebo or other commonly used antitussive agents (such as codeine or dextromethorphan). Studies monitored patient-reported outcomes related to functional imbalance and examined short-term symptom changes over defined time intervals. Evidence describing how symptoms are measured in these comparative trials contributes to understanding how patients reported their experience when contrasted with the control groups.


What is Still Uncertain About the Research for Pulmorest

While a substantial amount of data exists regarding the acute use of Pulmorest, official regulatory and scientific reviews indicate that certain areas require more research or better characterization. These gaps represent areas where certainty remains low. Due to the short duration of the primary RCTs, long-term effects are not fully established, limiting understanding of patterns of use beyond seven days. Additionally, while the core research is considered high quality, findings were mixed across some studies when comparing the findings for different age groups or specific, niche chronic conditions. Overall, findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and the results apply only to the populations studied.

Key Studies & References

  1. Efficacy of Levodropropizine in Acute Cough Symptomology: Findings from Phase III Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
  2. Clinical Data Exploring Use of Levodropropizine in Specific Chronic Cough Situations (e.g., Pulmonary Malignancy)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Pulmorest (FAQ)

Q: How quickly should I start feeling better after taking Pulmorest?

A: Official regulatory information on the active ingredient indicates that it is rapidly absorbed into the body. Maximum concentrations in the blood typically occur quickly after oral administration, often within 45 minutes to two hours. This rapid absorption suggests the medicine reaches its highest concentration in the bloodstream shortly after administration.


Q: Do I need to take Pulmorest with food, or is an empty stomach okay?

A: Official labeling and administration guidelines advise taking Pulmorest away from meals or between meals. This instruction is given because the effect of food on the medicine's action has not been fully determined. Following administration instructions, as provided in the official label, supports the intended use of the medication.


Q: Is it normal to have a slight headache when starting Pulmorest?

A: Headache is documented in official product information as a common side effect, meaning that this reaction has been reported relatively frequently by users. It is always recommended to report any side effects, including common ones, to a healthcare provider.


Q: Can I take other prescription medicines at the same time as Pulmorest?

A: Caution is specifically advised when Pulmorest is taken with other medicines that cause Central Nervous System (CNS) depression. This includes sedative drugs, hypnotics (sleep aids), and sedating antihistamines, as combining them may increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness. Clinical studies have not shown interactions with drugs for common bronchopulmonary diseases.


Q: Can women who are planning pregnancy take Pulmorest?

A: According to official eligibility criteria, Pulmorest is contraindicated (prohibited) for women who are currently pregnant or who have the intention to become pregnant. This restriction is due to established safety concerns documented in regulatory information.


Q: How often do people need blood tests or monitoring while on Pulmorest?

A: Official regulatory documents do not mandate specific blood tests or routine monitoring schedules for the general population taking Pulmorest. The need for monitoring or blood tests is a decision made by a healthcare provider on a case-by-case basis based on the patient's individual profile, especially for those with conditions like severe kidney impairment.


Q: Does Pulmorest have a generic version available?

A: The active ingredient in Pulmorest is Levodropropizine. This substance is manufactured and marketed under multiple brand names internationally. The availability of a generic version depends on local market regulations and pharmaceutical licensing in your region.


Q: What happens if I accidentally miss a dose of Pulmorest?

A: The labeling advises that doses be taken at intervals of at least six hours. Official regulatory instructions do not provide explicit directions on how to recover a missed dose. Following the prescribed dosing schedule is always advised.


Q: How long does Pulmorest stay in your system after stopping it?

A: The mean terminal half-life (t1/2) of the active ingredient is rapid, typically reported to be about one to two hours. The half-life is the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. This rapid half-life indicates a quick process of elimination from the bloodstream.


Q: Is the research on Pulmorest considered strong and reliable?

A: The core evidence for Pulmorest is based on short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Regulatory and scientific reviews generally consider the findings from these acute-use studies to be high quality. However, official information also notes that the long-term effects of the drug are not fully established due to the short duration of the primary research.


Q: Does Pulmorest help with breathing problems generally?

A: Pulmorest is specifically approved for the symptomatic treatment of a dry, non-productive cough. While this cough may accompany certain respiratory conditions, the medicine is not labeled or approved for the treatment of general breathing difficulty or other symptoms.


Q: Can taking Pulmorest cause insomnia or sleep disturbances?

A: The official side effect profile lists somnolence (drowsiness) as a common reaction. Insomnia or difficulty sleeping is not explicitly listed as a common or very rare side effect in regulatory documents.


Q: Is it safe for older adults (over 65) to take Pulmorest?

A: Official prescribing information advises caution when the medicine is used in elderly patients. This is due to potential age-related changes in sensitivity and how the body processes the drug. The benefit-risk ratio for use in this population should be assessed by a healthcare professional.


Q: What is the standard duration of treatment with Pulmorest?

A: Treatment with Pulmorest is intended to be short-term. The course of administration is officially recommended for a maximum period not exceeding seven consecutive days. The official labeling states that use should be discontinued immediately once the cough symptoms have resolved.


Q: Are there any known allergic reactions to the ingredients in Pulmorest?

A: Yes, official eligibility criteria state that Pulmorest is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active substance or its excipients. Furthermore, severe allergic events, known as anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, are documented as very rare side effects.


Q: What is the difference in effect between taking Pulmorest as a tablet vs. an injection?

A: Official regulatory labeling indicates that Pulmorest is formulated only for oral administration as a syrup, oral solution, or tablet. Injection forms are not mentioned in the official product information and are not recognized for this medicine.


Q: Do you need a special prescription or authorization for Pulmorest?

A: The medicine is classified as a Prescription Drug (Rx) in official databases. This means that, in most regions, it typically requires authorization from a licensed healthcare provider to be dispensed.

How should Pulmorest be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Instructions for Pulmorest (Levodropropizine)

Official labeling defines strict requirements for storing and discarding Pulmorest to maintain product stability and safety.

Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 30 C
Protection Keep the medicine in its original container and protect from light
Stability Oral solution must be discarded after 1 month of opening
Child Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children

Disposal

Unused or expired medicine must not be thrown away via wastewater or household waste.

Disposal of the product must be carried out in accordance with local and national regulations for pharmaceutical waste.

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

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