Other Brands/Names

Asecrin, Bisolvon, Bisolvon Extra, Brolexan, Bromeco, Bromevon, Bromhexine HCL, Bromifar, Neo Combi.

How It Works

Bromhexine increases the clearance of phlegm by thinning mucus and stimulating ciliated epithelial cells, which function to sweep out secretions. This action helps relieve productive coughing and makes it easier to expel mucus from the airways.

Indications

Used in patients with productive coughs with mucus and serves as a mucus-thinning medicine.

Contraindication

History of allergy or hypersensitivity to bromhexine.

Side Effects

• Significant: These reactions are rare but can be life-threatening: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), a medical emergency marked by severe reactions after a drug is given, leading to peeling or blistering of the skin and mucous membranes that can be fatal.
• Digestive system disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper abdominal pain.
• Immune system disorders: angioedema (painless swelling under the skin from an allergic reaction, often on the lips and eyelids), urticaria (hives), bronchospasm (airway narrowing).
• Nervous system disorders: headache, dizziness.
• Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash, itching.

Types

Bromhexine is available as tablets, syrup, and injections.

Dosage

• Adults: Oral (tablet/syrup): 8–16 mg three times daily.
• Children: Oral (tablet/syrup):
  • 2-5 years 4 mg twice daily
  • 6-11 years 8 mg thrice daily
  • 12 years: the dosage is the same as adult's dosage

• As an injection: 4 mg/2 mL: 1 ampule (administration time: 2–3 minutes) 2–3 times daily. May be given as an intravenous infusion with glucose, fructose, saline, or Ringer’s solution.

Safety

• Pregnancy: Data in pregnant women are limited. Preclinical studies have not shown direct or indirect harmful effects on reproductive toxicity. As a precaution, bromhexine use during pregnancy is best avoided.
• Breastfeeding: It is unknown whether bromhexine is excreted in human milk. Pharmacodynamic/toxicologic data from preclinical studies show excretion of bromhexine in milk. A potential risk to a nursing infant cannot be ruled out. Bromhexine should not be used during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of bromhexine with certain antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cefuroxime, erythromycin, and doxycycline may increase their concentrations, potentially enhancing both effects and side effects.

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