Abstract
Objective: Gather evidence and identify scientific approaches that justify the use of ambroxol for other therapeutic purposes. Methods: This was an integrative literature review based on the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Science Direct and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO). Studies identified by manual search were included. Results: Preliminarily, 162 papers were retrieved, 20 of which were included. Mechanisms of action for ambroxol related to interaction with viral entry proteins were identified; with enzyme repair steps with chaperone function; modulation of ion channels; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; analgesic; anesthetic and immunomodulatory. Research has associated the use of high doses of ambroxol as a safe possibility for treatment, prevention and/or as an adjuvant in diseases such as COVID-19, Parkinson's, Gaucher, pain relief and as new perspectives of use for the Respiratory System. Final considerations: The repositioning of ambroxol is an advantageous possibility and qualifies as a successful alternative to new therapeutic treatment approaches, where the different mechanisms of action explored by ABX enable it as an alternative for combined use with other therapies.
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