Productive cough is a commonly encountered symptom that can affect a major portion of the general population. It can result in expectoration of sputum for more than 8 weeks. A phase IV clinical study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of a fix dose combination (FDC) including Terbutaline, Ambroxol and Guaiphenesin for the management of productive cough.

A total of 437 patients out of 450 patients completed the present study. The potential of combination therapy was determined by calculating the reduction of cough severity score (CSS) in association with cough intensity, frequency and ease of cough and extrapolating to four point Likert-type scale. Tolerability profile was determined by investigating the adverse events experienced during the clinical trial.The results of the study showed a reduction in mean CSS from 6.81 (baseline) to 3.56 (day 3) to 0.90 (day 5) with the use of this combination therapy. One point reduction in Likert-type symptom scale from severe to moderate occurred in only 3 days. Maximum number of patients reported more than 80% reduction in their mean CSS score at conclusion visit in all the parameters. A total of 2.97% of patients exhibited insignificant side effects including palpitation, stomach upset/acidity and nausea/vomiting.

Thus, it can be concluded that the combination therapy consisting of Terbutaline, Ambroxol and Guaiphenesin is effectual and safe for the treatment of productive cough.

Source: Kiran MD, Sheikh SN, Pawaskar LJ. Clinical efficacy and safety of combination of terbutaline, ambroxol and guaiphenesin in productive cough. International Journal of Current Medical and Pharmaceutical Research. 2017; 5: 4005-4008. Available at: https://journalcmpr.com/issues/clinical-efficacy-and-safety-combination-terbutaline-ambroxol-and-guaiphenesin-productive