Bromhexine is a drug to relieve cough with phlegm. This drug is available in various dosage forms, such as tablets, syrups, and injections.
Bromhexine works to thin the phlegm in the respiratory tract. This drug works by inhibiting the work of cells that produce phlegm or mucus, resulting in phlegm that is not thick and easy to expel.
Bromhexine trademark: Anaconidine Mucolytic & Expectorant, Benadryl Wet Cough, Bisolvon, Bodrex Cough, Bodrexin Cough Cold, Bodrex Flu & Cough With Sputum PE, Bromhexine HCL, Bromifar, Dexolut, Hexon, Hustab-P, Hufasulvon, Lexavon, Mextril Expectorant, Expectorant Wood Expectorant , Mucosolvan, Oskadryl Cough With Phlegm, Oskadon Flu & Cough With Phlegm, OBH Itra, Siladex Mucolytic & Expectorant, Solvinex
What is Bromhexine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Mucolytic drugs (phlegm thinners) |
| Benefit | Relieves phlegm |
| Used by | Adults and children >2 years old |
| Bromhexine for pregnant women and nursing mothers | Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown any risk to the fetus, and it is unlikely that harm to the fetus is possible. It is not known whether bromhexine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, syrups and injections |
Precautions Before Using Bromhexine
There are several things to consider before using bromhexine, including:
- Do not use bromhexine if you are allergic to this drug.
- Consult a doctor first before giving bromhexine or products containing bromhexine to children under 2 years of age.
- Consult your doctor before using bromhexine if you have or are currently suffering from pneumonia, liver disease, asthma, peptic ulcers, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Talk to your doctor before using bromhexine if you have a condition that causes a weakened immune system, such as after chemotherapy or if you have HIV/AIDS.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking bromhexine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Bromhexine
The following are general doses of bromhexine based on the form of the drug and the age of the patient:
Bromhexine tablets and syrup
- Mature and children 12 years old: 8–16 mg, 3 times daily
- Children ages 6–11 years: 8 mg, 3 times a day
- Children ages 2–5 years: 4 mg, 2 times a day
In addition to being available in the form of oral drug preparations (tablets or syrup), bromhexine also has injection dosage forms. For injectable dosage forms, the administration will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
How to Use Bromhexine Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the drug information listed on the packaging label, before you use bromhexine. Do not use bromhexine for more than 14 days without your doctor's permission.
Bromhexine tablets and syrup can be taken before or after meals. Take bromhexine tablets with water. Do not chew or crush the tablet as this may increase the side effects.
For bromhexine syrup, shake the bottle before consuming the syrup. Use a measuring spoon that is usually provided in the box. Do not use a regular tablespoon because the dosage is different.
Make sure there is enough time between one dose and the next and try to always take the medicine at the same time every day.
Patients who forget to take bromhexine are advised to do so as soon as they remember, if the interval with the next dose is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store bromhexine at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid exposure to sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Bromhexine Interactions with Other Drugs
Bromhexine can increase the absorption of antibiotic medicines when used together. Always tell your doctor if you want to take bromhexine at the same time as any other medicines.
Bromhexine Side Effects
Side effects that may occur after using bromhexine are:
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Bloated
- Diarrhea
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by complaints, such as difficulty breathing, itchy rash on the skin, or swelling of the lips or eyelids.