Ammonium Chloride
Uses of Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium Chloride is commonly used to treat cough with mucus.
How Ammonium Chloride Works
Ammonium Chloride is an irritant to the mucous linings in our respiratory tract. Therefore, it works as an expectorant by increasing respiratory tract secretions hence making it easier for mucus to be coughed up.
Side Effects of Ammonium Chloride
Drowsiness, Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Diarrhea, Stomach Discomfort, Dry Mouth, Dry Eyes
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Ammonium Chloride should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Ammonium Chloride may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Ammonium Chloride is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Ammonium Chloride. It may increase the sedative effect of alcohol.
Pregnancy Not Safe
The grading above is only applied towards Intravenous administration of Ammonium Chloride as there are no studies in animals or humans. Please consult your doctor.
Driving Not advisable
Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Ammonium Chloride may cause drowsiness which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver Use With Care
Ammonium Chloride should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Ammonium Chloride may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Ammonium Chloride is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Lactation Limited Data
Ammonium Chloride is mostly safe to use during lactation. There is no data that suggests any harm to the baby from the breast milk. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
