Bromhexine

Products

Bromhexine is commercially available as tablets, syrup, and solution (Bisolvon). It has been approved in many countries since 1966.

Structure and properties

Bromhexine (C14H20Br2N2, Mr = 376.1 g/mol) is a brominated aniline and benzylamine derivative. It is present in drugs as bromhexine hydrochloride, a white crystalline powder that is very sparingly soluble in water. Bromhexine is derived from vasicin, a plant constituent and alkaloid from the Indian lungwort (= ). The structurally closely related ambroxol is a demethylated metabolite of bromhexine and is also commercially available as a drug.

Effects

Bromhexine (ATC R05CB02) has expectorant and expectorant properties. It liquefies mucus in the respiratory tract and allows the viscous secretions to be coughed up.

Indications

For the treatment of a cold cough with excessive mucus production. On medical prescription also for chronic respiratory diseases with the formation of viscous secretions.

Dosage

According to the professional information. Medicines are usually administered three times a day. Medicines are available for ingestion and inhalation.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity

Caution is advised in the presence of current or previous gastric ulcers. Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

Cough-irritating agents, such as codeine or dextromethorphan, should not be administered concomitantly because they may cause a buildup of secretions in the lungs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause increased gastric irritation. Furthermore, bromhexine may increase the concentration of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and erythromycin in bronchial secretions.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions and digestive symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.