Bromhexine
Product Information
Better health begins with the right choices.
Dr. M. Sharoyko
Internal Medicine Physician | MNr. 80134
Dr. Marina Sharoyko is a medical specialist in clinical pharmacology and internal medicine, with additional expertise in cardiology and physiology.
Description
Bromhexine is a medication used to help relieve chesty coughs and respiratory congestion that often accompany colds, the flu, or other upper and lower respiratory tract infections. It is classified as a mucolytic agent, meaning it works by breaking down and thinning mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear from the lungs.
When a person has a cold or flu, excess mucus can build up in the respiratory system, leading to a productive cough, blocked sinuses, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. Bromhexine helps by altering the structure of mucus, reducing its thickness and stickiness. This facilitates natural drainage and promotes easier breathing.
The medication is commonly used in conditions like bronchitis, sinusitis, and influenza-related congestion, either on its own or in combination with other symptomatic treatments such as pain relievers, decongestants, or antihistamines. It may be available in several forms, including tablets, syrups, and solutions, depending on the formulation.
Bromhexine is usually taken two to three times a day, with the dosage adjusted based on age and the severity of symptoms. Regular intake helps maintain a steady effect, especially in cases of persistent mucus build-up.
Common side effects are typically mild and may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or a slight increase in coughing as mucus is loosened. This transient increase in coughing often indicates that the medication is actively working to clear the airways.
General Information
Bromhexine hydrochloride is an oral mucolytic that thins and loosens phlegm so you can cough it up more easily. It is available as 8 mg tablets, 4 mg/5 ml syrup, and soluble drops.
Any productive cough where thick, sticky mucus blocks the airways, common colds, influenza, acute or chronic bronchitis, COPD flare-ups, and even post-operative atelectasis, where clearing secretions speeds lung recovery.
Your liver converts bromhexine to ambroxol, which:
- Increases the watery part of mucus, lowering its viscosity
- Activates cilia that sweep mucus upward
- Stimulates lung surfactant, preventing airway collapse
For adults 8 mg three times daily.
Sputum begins thinning within 30 minutes and noticeably loosens over 48 hours. Complete relief depends on infection severity.
Take it when remembered if within two hours of schedule; otherwise skip. Never double the next dose.
Safety & Side Effects
- Common: mild stomach ache, nausea, runny nose.
- Occasional: sore throat, dry mouth, slight diarrhoea.
- Rare but serious: skin rash, itching, severe allergic reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) - extremely uncommon but listed in the leaflet.
Yes, though rarely. Stop at once and seek help if you develop hives, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty.
Yes, there are no significant interactions, but combining with antitussives (codeine, dextromethorphan) can clog loosened mucus, pair only under medical advice. Antibiotics and bronchodilators are fine.
Chronic use for COPD is acceptable under medical supervision with periodic liver tests. For acute colds, limit to 7-10 days.
Animal studies show no harm, but human data are limited. Avoid in the first trimester. The drug passes into milk in tiny amounts, consult your doctor.
Unlikely. Occasional dizziness has been reported, rare at standard doses.
Alcohol may irritate the stomach and counteract hydration. Keep intake low while sick.
Usage & Administration
Swallow tablets with water or measure syrup accurately with the cup, followed by additional fluids. Store below 30 °C, syrup tightly capped.
Avoid if allergic to bromhexine or ambroxol. Use cautiously in gastric ulcer, severe liver or kidney disease. Not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Overdose rarely causes more than mild stomach upset or nausea but contact a doctor if vomiting or diarrhoea develop.
Ordering & Delivery
You can order [Product name] by adding it to your shopping basket. Simply enter your shipping details and follow the steps to complete your payment.
No, [Product name] is an over-the-counter (OTC) product. This means you can purchase it without a prescription or doctor’s consultation.
Once we receive your payment for [Product name] and correct shipping details, your order will be forwarded to the pharmacy. They usually dispatch orders within 1 to 2 business days.
Yes, since [Product name] is not a prescription medication, you have the right to return it within 14 days of delivery. The product must be unopened, undamaged, and in its original packaging. Once the pharmacy receives the return, we will process your refund minus any shipping costs.
