Pregnancy
category A (Aus) Bioavailability 75-80% CAS Number 3572-43-8 | ATC code R05CB02 (WHO) Biological half-life 12 hr CAS ID 3572-43-8 | |
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AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names | ||
Bromhexine is a mucolytic (expectorant) agent used in the treatment of respiratory disorders associated with viscid or excessive mucus. In addition, bromhexine has antioxidant properties.
Contents
Function
Bromhexine is intended to support the body's mechanisms for clearing mucus from the respiratory tract.
It is secretolytic, increasing the production of serous mucus in the respiratory tract and makes the phlegm thinner and less viscous. This contributes to a secretomotoric effect by helping the cilia transport the phlegm out of the lungs. For this reason it is often added to cough syrups.
Bromhexine is a synthetic derivative of the herbal active ingredient vasicine. It has been shown to increase the proportion of serous bronchial secretion, making it more easily expectorated. It is indicated as "secretolytic therapy in bronchopulmonary diseases associated with abnormal mucus secretion and impaired mucus transport".
Bromhexine is contained in various formulations, high and low strength syrups 8 mg/5 ml, 4 mg/5 ml, tablets and soluble tablets (both with 8 mg bromhexine) and solution for oral use 10 mg/5 ml, adapted to the need of the patients. The posology varies with the age and weight, but there are products for all age groups from infant on. Bromhexine is well established and tolerated.
Sometimes it is replaced by its metabolite ambroxol, as in Mucosolvan or Mucoangin.