ALCUF-AM 100ML SYRUP

ALCUF-AM Syrup, 100 mL

What is visible on the label

• Brand: ALCUF-AM

• Manufacturer/brand mark: ACCOTT

• Quantity: 100 mL

• Dosage form: Syrup

• Active ingredients shown:

  • Ambroxol

  • Terbutaline sulphate

  • Guaiphenesin

  • Menthol

• The bottle also says “Shake well”, which is important before measuring a dose.

• The label indicates it is sugar-free.

What each ingredient does

IngredientMain roleAmbroxolA mucolytic that makes thick mucus less viscous, helping it be brought up more easily.GuaiphenesinAn expectorant that helps loosen and clear respiratory mucus.Terbutaline sulphateA bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles and can help when airway narrowing/bronchospasm contributes to wheezing or breathing difficulty.MentholProvides a cooling/soothing sensation and can temporarily reduce throat irritation.

This combination is therefore generally used for a wet/productive cough with phlegm, rather than a simple dry cough. (1mg)

How it differs from the other syrups you showed

You have now shown several different cough/health products:

ProductMain ingredientsGeneral purposeALCUF-LS JuniorAmbroxol + Levosalbutamol + GuaiphenesinMucus/phlegm + airway openingALCUF-DXDextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + ChlorpheniramineDry cough + nasal/cold symptomsALCUF-AMAmbroxol + Terbutaline + Guaiphenesin + MentholWet/productive cough + mucus + bronchial airway symptoms

So ALCUF-AM and ALCUF-LS overlap considerably because both contain ambroxol and guaiphenesin, while their bronchodilators differ (terbutaline vs levosalbutamol). They should not automatically be taken together unless specifically prescribed, because this could duplicate respiratory medicines. Combination cough medicines can contain overlapping ingredients. (Apollo Pharmacy)

Strength

The exact strength is not sufficiently clear in this photograph to safely state the amount per 5 mL for this particular ALCUF-AM product.

For comparison, formulations containing this same four-drug combination are commonly available with strengths such as ambroxol 15 mg + terbutaline 1.25 mg + guaiphenesin 50 mg per 5 mL, with menthol varying by manufacturer. (Amro Pharmaceuticals)

Do not assume those strengths are necessarily the strength of your bottle.

Possible side effects

Because of the combination, possible effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach discomfort

• Headache or dizziness

• Tremor/shakiness

• Increased heart rate/palpitations

• Sweating

• Rash or itching

These effects are reported with this drug combination. (1mg)

The terbutaline component deserves particular attention in people with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or certain electrolyte problems, and medical advice is appropriate before use in those situations. (Apollo Pharmacy)

For children

This is important because you previously showed ALCUF-LS Junior. Do not use the ALCUF-AM bottle as a substitute for the Junior formulation based only on the fact that both treat cough. The active ingredients and strengths can differ.

Some references advise that this combination should not be used in children under 2 years and that use in older children should be clinician-directed. (Apollo Pharmacy)

One useful observation

The bottle says “sugar free.” That may be relevant for someone who needs to limit sugar, although the full excipient list would be needed to determine exactly what sweeteners are used.

If you upload a clear photo of the back/side of this ALCUF-AM bottle or its box, I can read the exact composition per 5 mL and the manufacturer's dosage instructions rather than estimating them.