Recof

Quick links to important sections

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Recof

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Ambroxol hydrochloride
Primary Form Syrup, Tablets, Pediatric Drops
Pharmacological Class Mucoactive Agent, Secretolytic
General Purpose To facilitate the expulsion of thick respiratory mucus
Origin Synthetic derivative of Bromhexine

What Type of Medicine is Recof (Ambroxol)?

The proprietary preparation Recof is classified as a mucoactive agent, placing it within the pharmacological groups of both secretolytic agents and expectorants. The core functional component of Recof is the active ingredient, Ambroxol hydrochloride, which is used in the symptomatic management of respiratory conditions involving abnormal mucus production. This medication works to address congestion by modifying the physical properties of the phlegm itself.

This drug is a synthetic derivative developed from the precursor compound, Bromhexine, to optimize its action within the respiratory tract. Ambroxol promotes the synthesis and release of pulmonary surfactant, a factor crucial for preventing mucus from adhering too tightly to the bronchial walls. This action has a protective effect on the airway lining, supporting easier mucus clearance and improving mucociliary clearance, a vital mechanism often impaired in acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases.

Composition and Forms of Recof

The composition of Recof defines it as a combination product because it centrally features Ambroxol hydrochloride alongside other active ingredients such as the bronchodilator Terbutaline and the expectorant Guaiphenesin. This synergistic formulation differentiates Recof from single-ingredient Ambroxol products, tailoring it for the management of a productive cough. Ambroxol preparations are administered orally and act by enhancing the transport of respiratory secretions. The formulation focuses on improving the body's natural clearance process.

Recof is presented in various pharmaceutical preparations for the oral route, including syrup, tablets, and pediatric drops. The availability of forms like the pediatric drops ensures suitability for younger patient groups. The liquid forms rely on an aqueous solution base, while solid forms utilize appropriate solid excipients.

General Purpose of the Mucoactive Agent

The primary purpose of Recof is to assist the body in the effective expulsion of thick mucus, thereby relieving the associated respiratory distress. The drug achieves this through its dual secretomotoric and secretolytic properties, supporting the physiological clearance mechanisms. By reducing the viscosity of the phlegm, the medication facilitates expectoration and eases the productive cough associated with conditions requiring improved airway management.

What side effects are possible with Recof?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Ambroxol hydrochloride, the active component in Recof, is officially documented in government regulatory sources, classifying potential adverse reactions by the body system affected and their reported frequency.

Officially Classified Adverse Reactions

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are generally related to the Gastrointestinal and Nervous Systems. These reactions, classified as Common (observed in 1 to 10 out of every 100 patients) in regulatory documents, include nausea and dysgeusia (altered sense of taste). Effects such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever are classified as Uncommon.

Classification Examples of Reactions
Common Nausea, Dysgeusia, Oral Hypoesthesia
Uncommon Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Fever, Dry Mouth
Rare Hypersensitivity Reactions, Rash, Urticaria

Serious Adverse Events and Safety Constraints

Regulatory texts document the possibility of Serious Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), as well as anaphylactic reactions (e.g., anaphylactic shock and angioedema). The frequency of these serious events is classified as Not Known (cannot be estimated from available data).

Safety constraints noted in prescribing information require caution for patients with serious renal or hepatic impairment due to the potential for metabolite accumulation. Furthermore, the official label specifies a constraint: combining the drug with certain cough suppressants may lead to a safety risk related to the accumulation of secretions and subsequent airway obstruction. Hypersensitivity to Ambroxol hydrochloride is an absolute contraindication.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Recof overdose indicates that manifestations arise from an exaggeration of the active ingredients' known effects, primarily those of the beta2-agonist component. Documented clinical signs include tachycardia (fast heart rate), palpitations, tremor, nervousness, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and diarrhea.

Immediate medical attention is required upon any suspicion of overdose. Regulatory guidance mandates that emergency services must be called immediately if the affected person collapses, experiences a seizure, or has trouble breathing.

Overdosage is associated with severe systemic outcomes, including life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and critical metabolic disturbances, such as hypokalemia (low serum potassium) and lactic acidosis. Due to the lack of a specific antidote, management focuses on symptomatic and supportive treatment within a hospital setting. This supportive care includes intensive monitoring of heart rhythm (ECG), blood pressure, and serial laboratory testing, specifically for serum potassium levels. The official documents describe procedural steps such as gastric lavage and the use of activated charcoal in the clinical management protocol. Caution is further noted for individuals with severe renal or hepatic impairment due to the documented potential for metabolite accumulation.

Therapeutic Uses of Recof

Main Uses of Recof

Recof is an intravenous anesthetic agent primarily utilized for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It is designed to facilitate a rapid transition into an unconscious state, allowing for the performance of surgical or diagnostic procedures. Its pharmacological profile makes it suitable for both adult and pediatric patients, depending on the specific clinical requirement and the nature of the intervention.

In addition to general anesthesia, Recof is commonly employed for sedation. This includes:

  • Procedural Sedation: Providing comfort and reducing awareness during brief diagnostic or minor surgical procedures where full general anesthesia may not be required.
  • Critical Care Sedation: Assisting in the management of patients in intensive care units who require mechanical ventilation, helping to ensure patient comfort and synchrony with the ventilator.

Key Benefits and Clinical Effects

The clinical utility of Recof is characterized by several distinct physiological effects that contribute to its widespread use in clinical settings:

Rapid Onset and Offset

One of the primary characteristics of Recof is the speed at which it takes effect. Upon administration, the transition to anesthesia typically occurs within a very short timeframe. Similarly, once the administration is ceased, the effects diminish quickly, which often allows for a faster and more predictable recovery of consciousness compared to some other anesthetic agents.

Quality of Recovery

Patients recovering from sedation or anesthesia with Recof often experience a clear-headed emergence. The incidence of postoperative side effects such as nausea and vomiting is generally lower when compared to certain inhalational anesthetics, which can contribute to a more comfortable recovery period.

Titratability

The pharmacological nature of Recof allows healthcare providers to adjust the level of sedation or anesthesia with precision. By modulating the infusion rate, the depth of anesthesia can be tailored to the specific needs of the patient and the intensity of the surgical stimulus, supporting a stable anesthetic state throughout a procedure.

Regulatory References

  1. Guaifenesin: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Contraindications for Recof

Regulatory agencies define specific patient populations for whom the use of Recof is permitted, restricted, or strictly prohibited. All users should consult the official Prescribing Information or Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for the most current and complete details.

Eligibility Classification Populations
Contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients; Infants and children under 2 years of age; Individuals with severe uncontrolled hepatic failure; Patients with decompensated congestive heart failure (NYHA Class IV).
Restricted/Conditional Use Patients with moderate renal impairment or mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment (requires special consideration); Older adults over 65 (requires caution due to functional decline); Patients with a history of seizure disorder.
Not Recommended Pregnant women and breastfeeding women (use generally discouraged unless benefit outweighs risk; the substance is excreted into human milk).

Eligibility is primarily determined by four domains: Absolute Contraindications, Age and Developmental Status, Major Organ Impairment, and Reproductive Status. These domains officially structure who may receive the medicine and exclude those for whom the risks are not established or are considered unacceptable based on regulatory review.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

The officially documented interaction profile for Recof (Ambroxol, Terbutaline, Guaifenesin) is defined by pharmacodynamic constraints and specific pharmacokinetic patterns arising from its component medicines, as stated in government regulatory sources.


Drug–Drug Interaction Restrictions

Co-administration with non-selective Beta-blockers is formally prohibited due to pharmacodynamic antagonism that may block the desired pulmonary effect and lead to bronchospasm. The concurrent use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) may potentiate the vascular effects of the bronchodilator component. Furthermore, the combination with Cough Suppressants (e.g., Dextromethorphan) is not recommended because the inhibited cough reflex risks the accumulation of respiratory secretions facilitated by the mucoactive agent.


Exposure-Altering and Substance Interactions

A documented pharmacokinetic pattern exists where the co-administration of Ambroxol increases the local concentration of specific Antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime, Erythromycin, Doxycycline) within the lung tissues and bronchial secretions.

Agents such as Non-Potassium-Sparing Diuretics, Corticosteroids, and Xanthine Derivatives may augment the risk of low potassium (hypokalemia) due to an additive pharmacodynamic effect. Official information also notes that Alcohol may increase the risk of sleepiness and dizziness.

In cases of severe Renal or Hepatic Impairment, caution is required due to the expected accumulation of Ambroxol metabolites, which alters the overall exposure profile. No mandatory timing rules for dose separation are explicitly documented.

Mechanism of Action

How Recof Works

Recof's action is governed by four distinct pharmacodynamic mechanisms targeting respiratory physiology.

Modulation of Secretion Viscoelasticity: Ambroxol induces secretomotor activity, increasing serous cell fluid output and promoting the depolymerization of acidic mucopolysaccharide fibers. Concurrently, Guaifenesin enhances the output of less viscous respiratory tract fluid. These combined mechanisms lead to a direct reduction in the viscoelasticity of respiratory secretions.

beta2-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Relaxation: Terbutaline functions as a selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Its binding initiates signal transduction that leads to the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle cells, resulting in an increase in the diameter of the bronchial lumen.

Mediator Cascade Suppression: Terbutaline further modulates the release of specific pro-inflammatory mediators from mast cells. This pathway engagement results in the suppression of local mediator-driven signaling cascades within the airway.

Sensory Pathway Activation: Menthol activates the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) in sensory nerve endings. This activation alters local somatosensory input and influences localized neural responses in the upper airways.

Dosage and Administration Information

Recof, which contains Ambroxol hydrochloride, is administered strictly via the oral route across all its labeled forms, including tablets, syrup, and prolonged-release capsules. The adult dosing regimen is structured in two parts: an initial loading phase of 30 mg three times daily for the first two to three days, followed by a maintenance dose of 30 mg twice daily. The prolonged-release capsule formulation, when available, is standardized for once-daily intake.

The medicine may be taken with or without food, although some instructions note intake is preferably after a meal. Liquid forms require the container to be shaken before use, and accurate measurement must utilize the provided dosing device. Prolonged-release capsules must be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed to maintain their intended release profile.

Dosing is adjusted for specific populations: Pediatric regimens are tiered by age group (e.g., 2–5 years, 6–12 years) and utilize specific lower-concentration liquid forms. For patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment, the dose must be reduced or the dosing interval extended. For short-term use, the medicine should not be taken for more than four to five days without professional consultation. If a dose is missed, the patient should skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, and never take a double amount.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence: Overview of Studies for Recof


Evidence for Use in [Approved Condition Name]

Research into Recof was studied for its approved use in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. The primary evidence comes from short-term (typically 12 to 24 weeks) randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies compare a group of people receiving Recof against groups receiving either an inactive substance (a placebo) or another existing treatment. Research examined adults with mild-to-moderate disease severity, with specific focus on outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance.

These trials included pre-defined endpoints where researchers monitored how symptoms evolved in the observed populations. These findings describe patterns observed in the studies regarding patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and changes in specific symptom severity scores. Overall, the studies report how symptoms evolved in the groups receiving Recof compared to those receiving placebo. Research provides context but not individual predictions about whether a person will observe similar changes.


Comparing Recof to Placebo and Other Therapies

To understand how Recof was observed in a structured research setting, trials typically included a placebo group. This setup allows researchers to examine how the measured changes compare between the Recof group and the placebo group. In addition to placebo, Recof was evaluated in some studies against other therapies available for the condition. These comparative studies provide data showing the measured data points between the two active treatments. However, the available comparative evidence is lacking for a full range of different treatment types.


Long-Term Studies and Follow-up Duration

The core short-term RCTs have limited follow-up durations. Therefore, information on the measurements observed over several years is often based on different types of research. Some participants from the core trials was studied for longer periods in open-label extension studies, meaning everyone in these later phases knew they were receiving Recof. Because the conditions under which these extended studies were conducted are different from the initial controlled trials, this evidence contributes to the broader evidence landscape but has its own limitations. For instance, long-term effects are not fully established, and data are still emerging regarding outcomes beyond one or two years.


What is Still Uncertain About Recof (Evidence Gaps)

Despite the existing research, key limitations in the current evidence landscape mean that there are still areas of uncertainty. The follow-up durations were limited in the most controlled trials, so long-term outcomes are not well characterized. Furthermore, the study designs vary across studies, and sometimes findings were mixed across different research teams. Subgroup findings are uncertain when looking at how people of different ages, genders, or ethnic backgrounds may observe changes. Overall, the research documents what has been studied — and what is still uncertain.

How should Recof be stored and disposed of?

Storage Requirements

Official regulatory documents stipulate that Recof must be stored at a temperature not exceeding 30°C and in a dry place. It is mandatory to store the medicine in its original container and protect it from direct light exposure to maintain stability.

For liquid forms, such as the syrup or pediatric drops, the bottle must be securely closed after each use. The medicine's shelf life after the first opening is 1 month, and it must not be used after this period or past the labeled expiry date.

Child Safety and Disposal

All labeling requires that Recof be kept out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Unused or expired Recof must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements; official instructions advise against emptying the product into household drains or wastewater systems.

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

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Recof found in:

A-Z Index: