Bromhexine
Encyclopedia
Bromhexine is a mucolytic agent used in the treatment of respiratory
disorders associated with viscid or excessive mucus
. In addition, bromhexine has antioxidant properties.
.
It is secretolytic: that is, it increases the production of serous mucus in the respiratory tract and makes the phlegm thinner and less sticky. This contributes to a secretomotoric effect: it helps the cilia - tiny hairs that line the respiratory tract - to transport the phlegm
out of the lungs. For this reason it is often added to some antitussive (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. Bromhexine also enhances mucus transport by reducing mucus viscosity and by activating the ciliated epithelium. In clinical studies, Bromhexine showed secretolytic and secretomotoric effects in the bronchial tract area which facilitates expectoration and eases cough. 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 8mg/5ml, 4 mg/5ml, 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, but there are products for all age groups from infant on.
Bromhexine is a well established and well tolerated product in its indication.
Sometimes it is replaced by its metabolite ambroxol
, as in Mucosolvan or Mucoangin.
Respiratory system
The respiratory system is the anatomical system of an organism that introduces respiratory gases to the interior and performs gas exchange. In humans and other mammals, the anatomical features of the respiratory system include airways, lungs, and the respiratory muscles...
disorders associated with viscid or excessive mucus
Mucus
In vertebrates, mucus is a slippery secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. Mucous fluid is typically produced from mucous cells found in mucous glands. Mucous cells secrete products that are rich in glycoproteins and water. Mucous fluid may also originate from mixed glands, which...
. In addition, bromhexine has antioxidant properties.
Function
Bromhexine supports the body's own natural mechanisms for clearing mucus from the respiratory tractRespiratory tract
In humans the respiratory tract is the part of the anatomy involved with the process of respiration.The respiratory tract is divided into 3 segments:*Upper respiratory tract: nose and nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, and throat or pharynx...
.
It is secretolytic: that is, it increases the production of serous mucus in the respiratory tract and makes the phlegm thinner and less sticky. This contributes to a secretomotoric effect: it helps the cilia - tiny hairs that line the respiratory tract - to transport the phlegm
Phlegm
Phlegm is a liquid secreted by the mucous membranes of mammalians. Its definition is limited to the mucus produced by the respiratory system, excluding that from the nasal passages, and particularly that which is expelled by coughing . Phlegm is in essence a water-based gel consisting of...
out of the lungs. For this reason it is often added to some antitussive (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. Bromhexine also enhances mucus transport by reducing mucus viscosity and by activating the ciliated epithelium. In clinical studies, Bromhexine showed secretolytic and secretomotoric effects in the bronchial tract area which facilitates expectoration and eases cough. 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 8mg/5ml, 4 mg/5ml, 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, but there are products for all age groups from infant on.
Bromhexine is a well established and well tolerated product in its indication.
Sometimes it is replaced by its metabolite ambroxol
Ambroxol
Ambroxol is a secretolytic agent used in the treatment of respiratory diseases associated with viscid or excessive mucus. It is the active ingredient of Mucosolvan, Mucobrox, Lasolvan, Mucoangin, Surbronc and Lysopain...
, as in Mucosolvan or Mucoangin.
Brand names
- Bisolvon Forte (a product of Boehringer Ingelheim)
- Hoesttabletten Bromhexine HCl
- Paxirasol
- Barkacin
- Vasican
- Bisolex
- Robitussin Chesty/Forte
- Duro-Tuss Chesty
- Benadryl Chesty/Forte