Bromhexine Syrup: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Bromhexine Syrup contains bromhexine hydrochloride, a mucolytic agent that thins and breaks down thick or excessive mucus in the respiratory system to make breathing easier. It is a synthetic version of the alkaloid vasicine and is generally available without a prescription. It is used for conditions such as bronchitis, chest congestion, and productive cough, and is not recommended for children under 2 years old.

What is Bromhexine Syrup

Bromhexine hydrochloride is a medicine used to thin out and break down excessive or thick mucus that gets clogged in the respiratory system, making breathing easier. It is a synthetic version of the alkaloid vasicine and is available without a prescription at most pharmacies.

Bromhexine Syrup uses

• Respiratory tract infections
• Bronchopulmonary diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, tracheobronchitis and chronic asthmatic bronchitis
• Productive cough
• Common cold and influenza
• Chest congestion
• Chronic respiratory conditions including COPD, emphysema, and asthma
• Preventing respiratory complications after surgery
• Helping clear tracheobronchial foreign substances, such as contrast media used in radiology

Benefits of Bromhexine Syrup

• Reduces mucus thickness and helps clear it from the respiratory tract
• Starts working within 30 minutes of taking it
• Full effect appears after 2-3 days of treatment
• Helps you breathe more easily by thinning sticky mucus

How Bromhexine Syrup works

Bromhexine works by increasing watery secretions in the airways to dilute thick mucus, boosting the activity of tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that move mucus out of the lungs, and breaking down the chemical structure of mucus so it becomes easier to cough up.

Bromhexine Syrup dosage

Take tablets whole with a glass of water. If taking syrup, measure the dose using the measuring cup provided by the manufacturer. This medicine can be taken with or without food, and should be taken before or after meals. It is not recommended for children under 2 years old, and should not be used for more than two weeks without medical supervision.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Syrup (oral suspension)

Side effects of Bromhexine Syrup

Common

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Skin rash, hives (urticaria), or itching
• Sweating
• Increased liver enzyme (aminotransferase) levels in some cases

Serious

• Severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock and angioedema (rapid swelling of skin and tissues)
• Severe skin reactions such as erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis
• Trouble breathing normally

Warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to bromhexine hydrochloride or any of its ingredients, if you have an active stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have severe liver impairment. It should not be given to children under 2 years old.

• Patients with active tuberculosis and asthmatic patients being treated with bromhexine need special care.
• There have been reports of severe skin reactions with this medicine, including reactions affecting the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, and genitals.
• In some cases, this medicine can increase the amount of fluid mucus in the airways to the point it can't be coughed out, and the patient may need to be intubated to keep the airway clear.
• This medicine should not be combined with cough medicines, especially those containing codeine, or with medicines that act like atropine.
• Patients with a history of stomach ulcers should use this medicine carefully, since it can affect the stomach's protective lining.
• This medicine should not be used together with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) taken within the past two weeks.
• It is not advisable to use this medicine during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• Bromhexine passes into breast milk. Since there isn't enough safety information, it's best to avoid using it while breastfeeding, or avoid breastfeeding if you must use it.
• People with severe kidney problems need close medical supervision, as the body may clear the drug more slowly.
• This medicine should not be used by people with severe liver impairment, and those with liver problems need close medical supervision.
• Dizziness is a possible side effect, so avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medicine.

Storage

• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date stated on the package
• Store below 25°C
• Keep at room temperature, shielded from excessive warmth, dampness, and direct sunshine

When to see a doctor

• If you develop a skin rash, including sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, or genitals, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor right away.
• If you experience allergic reactions or skin reactions, stop taking the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.
• If you take too much of this medicine, get medical help right away, as overdose can cause vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, lightheadedness, coordination problems, or trouble breathing.

Alternatives

• Erdosteine
• Carbocisteine
• Acetylcysteine (NAC)
• Guaifenesin
• Ambroxol