[Ambroxol, comparative studies of pharmacokinetics and biotransformation in rat, rabbit, dog and man (author's transl)].

Pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of trans-4-(2-amino-3,5-dibromo-benzylamino)cyclohexanol hydrochloride (ambroxol, NA 872 Cl) was studied using the 14C-labelled compound. Absorption after oral administration was found to be fast and complete. Elimination half-life of radioactivity in the blood was estimated as 20--25 h in rat, dog and man and as 2 h only in rabbit. This apparent elimination half-life is governed by the disposition of acidic metabolites of NA 872. In man and rabbit radioactivity is excreted almost completely into the urine, whereas in rat and dog biliary excretion is also observed. Routes of biotransformation are similar in all 4 species. NA 872 is metabolized by phase I reactions to NA 873 and finally to dibromoanthranilic acid. Phase II reactions with the parent compound and metabolites are observed mainly in man and rabbit.