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

Quick overview

Bromhexine Tablet (Bromhexine Hydrochloride) is a mucolytic agent used to thin out and break down excessive or thick mucus that gets clogged in the respiratory system, making breathing easier. It is derived from a synthetic version of the alkaloid vasicine. It is commonly used for conditions like the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, and chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, emphysema, and asthma.

What is Bromhexine Tablet

Bromhexine 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 comes from a synthetic version of the alkaloid vasicine.

Bromhexine Tablet uses

• Common cold - Bromhexine thins mucus, easing chest congestion, so coughing clears airways
• Respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
• Flu - often combined with other medicines to manage chest congestion and cough
• Chronic respiratory conditions including COPD, emphysema, and asthma
• Chesty cough - thins mucus to make a cough more productive
• Chest congestion - helps clear mucus from the airways
• Breathing comfort - eases stuffiness and wheeze linked with mucus
• Productive cough
• Bronchopulmonary diseases

Benefits of Bromhexine Tablet

• Helps thin and loosen mucus so it can be cleared more easily, relieving a cough, chest stuffiness and wheeze
• Eases chest stuffiness, coughing, and breathing troubles
• Helps boost mucociliary transport, which lets your body clear airways naturally

How Bromhexine Tablet works

Bromhexine increases the production of watery secretions in the airways, which helps thin thick mucus, and it also boosts the movement of tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that help push the thinned mucus out. It also breaks down the chemical structure of mucus, making it easier to clear.

Bromhexine Tablet dosage

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. The tablet should be consumed with food. You can take the medicine with or without food. Take it by mouth as directed, and continue for the full course prescribed. Take the medicine exactly as instructed and never take more than the recommended amount unless your healthcare provider says it's okay.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it's nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule; do not double up doses.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Oral suspension (syrup)

Side effects of Bromhexine Tablet

Common

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea (loose, watery bowel movements)
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Dryness of the mouth, nose or throat
• Abdominal pain

Serious

• Trouble breathing normally
• Irregular heartbeat (in overdose)
• Severe allergic reactions

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine isn't meant for long-term use beyond two weeks without medical supervision.
• People with a history of stomach ulcers or digestive system issues should use extra caution, as it could raise the risk of severe reactions.
• People with active gastric ulcers need to be careful since the drug can affect the gastric mucosal barrier.
• This medicine should not be given to children under 6 years of age except under medical advice; some sources say it's not recommended for children under 2 years.
• For those with a history of asthma, this medicine could potentially trigger bronchospasm due to increased liquefaction of sputum.
• If you are allergic to bromhexine or any of its ingredients, avoid using it. Some tablets contain sunset yellow FCF as a colour additive, which may cause allergic reactions.
• If you are pregnant, use this medicine with caution and talk to your doctor first, since the benefits should outweigh the potential risks.
• If you are breastfeeding, use this medicine with caution and consult your doctor about the potential risks and benefits.
• People with kidney problems may need dosage adjustments and close monitoring, as bromhexine could worsen these conditions.
• People with liver problems may need dosage adjustments and close monitoring, as bromhexine could worsen these conditions.
• Combining bromhexine with alcohol can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and drowsiness, so it's best to limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
• This medicine may cause dizziness, so be careful when driving or operating machinery.

Storage

• Keep bromhexine at room temperature, shielded from excessive warmth, dampness, and direct sunshine
• Store the medicine safely away from children and pets
• Store below 30° C
• Keep the medicine in a dry place, safeguarded from light
• Don't expose the tablet to excess moisture or heat
• Always use within its expiry date

When to see a doctor

• If you accidentally take too much, seek medical help right away, as overdose can cause vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and trouble breathing.
• Taking too much can lead to vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and problems with coordination, and you need immediate medical help.
• If side effects do not improve or become serious, speak to your doctor right away.

Alternatives

• Ambroxol
• Acetylcysteine