A study published in Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology aimed to evaluate the pharmacological and clinical data on the mucokinetic compound ambroxol.

This study entailed the analysis of an existing database covering>40 years of pharmacological research and clinical development.

The results suggested that ambroxol exerts several activities – secretolytic activity; that is, promotes mucus clearance, facilitates expectoration, and eases productive cough; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; and a local anesthetic effect through sodium-channel blocking at the level of the cell membrane. Additionally, its action in reduction on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations is consistent and clinically relevant. 

It was concluded that the anesthetic effect of ambroxol is a new pharmacological action that could be beneficial in the management of acute respiratory tract infections. The efficacy and safety of this drug is well established.

Source: Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism and Toxicity.2008 Aug;4(8):1119-29.doi:10.1517/17425255.4.8.1119