What is Pulcebro Plus?
Pulcebro Plus is a combination medication primarily prescribed to prevent and treat the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing [1.2.1]. It is not an antibiotic or a rescue medication for sudden asthma attacks [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. The medication comes in tablet form, typically as Pulcebro Plus 100mg/600mg, and should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed [1.2.4]. It is manufactured by East West Pharma India Pvt Ltd [1.2.1].
The Active Ingredients: How They Work
Pulcebro Plus combines two active ingredients to improve respiratory function:
- Acebrophylline (100mg): This component acts as both a bronchodilator and a mucolytic agent. As a bronchodilator, it relaxes the muscles around the airways, widening them to make breathing easier [1.2.7, 1.4.1]. Its mucolytic properties help to thin and regulate mucus production, reducing airway inflammation [1.2.6].
- Acetylcysteine (600mg): This is a powerful mucolytic agent, meaning it thins and loosens phlegm (mucus) in the lungs, windpipe, and nose [1.2.3, 1.2.7]. It works by breaking down the fibers that make mucus thick and viscous, allowing it to be coughed out more easily [1.2.1].
Together, these two drugs provide a dual-action approach to managing COPD symptoms by both opening the airways and clearing congestion [1.2.4].
Common Side Effects of Pulcebro Plus
Like all medications, Pulcebro Plus can cause side effects. Most are temporary and resolve as the body adjusts to the medicine [1.3.5]. It is often recommended to take the tablet with food to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset [1.4.7, 1.4.8].
The most frequently reported side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, heartburn, indigestion, and loss of appetite are common [1.3.2, 1.3.4, 1.3.6].
- Neurological Effects: Dizziness and drowsiness can occur. It's advised to avoid alcohol, as it may increase drowsiness [1.3.4].
- Dermatological Reactions: Skin rash, hives, and itching are possible [1.3.4].
- Other common effects: Runny nose (nasal inflammation), headache, and a noticeable smelly odor from the medication, which is normal [1.3.4, 1.4.1].
Serious Side Effects and When to Seek Medical Attention
While less common, some side effects are serious and require immediate consultation with a doctor. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider straight away [1.3.3, 1.3.5]:
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, severe difficulty breathing, or a worsening skin rash with blisters or mucosal lesions [1.3.1, 1.3.3, 1.3.5].
- Cardiovascular Issues: Irregular heartbeat or chest pain can be a sign of a serious reaction [1.3.5]. Pulcebro Plus should be avoided in patients with heart rhythm disorders that cause fast heartbeats [1.3.3].
- Worsening Respiratory Symptoms: If breathing difficulty unexpectedly gets worse, it is a sign to seek help [1.3.5].
Precautions and Contraindications
Certain individuals should use Pulcebro Plus with caution or avoid it altogether. Always inform your doctor of your full medical history. Key conditions to discuss include [1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.5]:
- Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to Acebrophylline, Acetylcysteine, ambroxol, or theophylline [1.3.2].
- Heart Conditions: Avoid if you have low blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hemodynamic instability, or have had a recent heart attack [1.3.2, 1.3.3].
- Liver or Kidney Disease: Dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with liver or kidney impairment [1.3.4, 1.4.8].
- Other Conditions: Use with caution if you have epilepsy, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or gastric/duodenal ulcers [1.2.1, 1.3.3].
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Data is limited. Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding [1.3.4].
Drug, Food, and Lab Test Interactions
Pulcebro Plus can interact with other substances:
- Antibiotics: It is not recommended to take Pulcebro Plus at the same time as certain antibiotics like tetracycline or amoxicillin. A gap of at least 2 hours is advised [1.2.1].
- Histamine-Rich Foods: Foods like tomatoes, wine, and processed foods may cause histamine intolerance, leading to symptoms like skin flushing, migraines, or a runny nose [1.3.2].
- Lab Tests: Acetylcysteine can interfere with urine ketone tests and blood salicylate tests, potentially causing inaccurate results. Inform your doctor you are taking this medication before any lab work [1.2.4, 1.2.5].
Comparison with Other Formulations
It is important to distinguish Pulcebro Plus from other related products like Pulcebro-M, which has a different composition.
| Feature | Pulcebro Plus | Pulcebro-M | Brozee Tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient 1 | Acebrophylline (100mg) [1.2.2] | Acebrophylline (200mg) [1.4.5] | Acebrophylline (100mg) [1.2.6] |
| Active Ingredient 2 | N-Acetylcysteine (600mg) [1.2.2] | Montelukast (10mg) [1.4.5] | N-Acetylcysteine (600mg) [1.2.6] |
| Primary Use | COPD, Bronchitis [1.2.1, 1.4.1] | Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, COPD [1.4.2, 1.4.5] | COPD, Bronchitis [1.2.6] |
| Key Side Effect Profile | Primarily GI discomfort, dizziness [1.3.2] | Can include mood changes, headache, restlessness in addition to GI issues [1.3.9, 1.5.5] | Same as Pulcebro Plus [1.2.6] |
Montelukast, found in Pulcebro-M, is a leukotriene antagonist and has been associated with rare but serious neuropsychiatric events like mood changes, depression, or agitation [1.5.1, 1.6.4, 1.6.5].
Conclusion
Pulcebro Plus is an effective combination medication for managing chronic respiratory conditions like COPD by making breathing easier and clearing mucus from the airways [1.2.1]. While it offers significant benefits, it is essential to be aware of its potential side effects. Most adverse effects are mild and gastrointestinal in nature, but serious reactions can occur [1.3.5]. Always take this medication as prescribed and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience or any pre-existing health conditions. Never stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, as this could worsen your symptoms [1.2.1].
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.
For more detailed information from a certified source, you can visit: MedlinePlus [1.6.7]
