Programmed-release ambroxol.multidot.HCl pharmaceutical dosage forms, adopted to maintain a therapeutically effective plasma level thereof for about 24 hours, comprise a plurality of inert core microgranules of a variety of particle sizes ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 mm, such inert core microgranules being coated with alternating microlayers of (1) micronized ambroxol hydrochloride active agent and (2) delayed-release film material, such coated microgranules including an external microlayer of delayed-release film material, and such coated mi.crogranules having particle sizes ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 mm.