Efficacy of ambroxol (Lasolvan) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of mucolytic drug ambroxol (Lasolvan) as a part of combined treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fifty-two patients with exacerbation of COPD participated in the study. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained during bronchofiberoscopy was examined for cell differential and immunoglobulin concentration. The latter was found to be reduced. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the main group included 25 patients treated with standard therapy (antibiotics, bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids) and inhaled ambroxol through a nebulizer; the comparator group included 27 patients with COPD who received standard therapy and placebo (inhaled saline solution). Administration of ambroxol has led to improvement in clinical symptoms and local immunity. In the comparator group, the duration of exacerbation was longer and improvement in the local immunity was insignificant. Therefore, the use of ambroxol as a part of combined therapy of COPD exacerbation could improve the local immunity and contribute to the result of treatment.