Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Bromhexine

Bromhexine: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is bromhexine?

Bromhexine is a mucolytic agent used to treat a wide range of respiratory disorders associated with excess mucus or phlegm. It makes mucus thinner by increasing the production of mucus and subsequently breaking it down. It is prescribed as a tablet or as an oral suspension (i.e., syrup). The side effects associated with bromhexine are serious. Therefore, discuss your medical history with your medical practitioner before taking the drug.

What are the uses of bromhexine?

Doctors prescribe bromhexine to enhance your body’s ability to excrete excess mucus. Its primary use is to promote mucus production in the upper respiratory tract. This reduces the overall viscosity or thickness of mucus. Thus, the mucus can be broken down easily and coughed up. Bromhexine is classified as a mucolytic agent due to these properties.

It can treat conditions where the body produces excess mucus and phlegm, such as the common cold, influenza, cough, chest congestion, etc.

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    What are the side effects of bromhexine?

    Some common side effects of bromhexine include:

    • Ear irritation
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Breathing difficulties
    • Rashes
    • Sweating
    • Throat infection

    Bromhexine is known to cause serious side effects if you have a history of gastric ulcers, abdominal pain, kidney problems, or liver problems. Inform your medical practitioner about your medical history and condition(s) before taking bromhexine.

    Our dedicated team of doctors at Yashoda Hospitals will analyze your medical history and assist you with the dos and don’ts of taking this drug.

    What is Bromhexine

    Uses of Bromhexine

    Side effects of Bromhexine

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Bromhexine

    Both ambroxol and bromhexine are agents that help in thinning mucus for easily coughing it up. Ambroxol is a metabolite or a breakdown product of bromhexine. Hence, the effect of both the drugs against long-term and short-term respiratory diseases are similar. However, bromhexine is preferred more widely for its efficacy.

    Most drugs may pass through the placenta and adversely impact the growing fetus, especially during the first and third semesters. However, bromhexine is a Category A drug. Pregnant women and those around the child-bearing age have taken bromhexine without reporting fetal malformations or direct or indirect side effects. Consult your doctor to get a tailored prescription.

    Yes. A common side effect of consuming bromhexine is drowsiness. You may feel sleepy and sluggish for a few hours after taking the drug. So, we advise that you refrain from driving or doing any activity that demands your full concentration - chopping vegetables, operating heavy machinery, working with fire, etc.

    No. Bromhexine alone does not cause death. However, consuming other mucolytic drugs along with bromhexine may interfere with mucus production. This may cause some serious adverse effects. Inform your doctor if you have a history of abdominal issues like ulcers, liver problems, or kidney problems before taking bromhexine.

    No. Bromhexine does not induce heart attacks. However, consult your doctor regarding the drugs you take for hypertension, diabetes, peptic ulcers, and renal issues beforehand. Bromhexine can also interfere with other mucolytic drugs taken for allergies, itchy skin, etc. Get a proper medical consultation to rule out potentially dangerous drug interactions.

    No. However, it can cause excessive sweating. It signals to the brain’s heat-regulating center – the hypothalamus – to reduce the body temperature. This property of bromhexine is beneficial during fever. Apart from its mucus-thinning ability, this is why bromhexine is used along with antibiotics to speed up recovery from influenza.

    Yes. Bromhexine is known to make you cough more. This is just one way that it relieves you of your cold, chest congestion, or other diseases associated with phlegm production. It breaks down and thins mucus and induces further mucous secretion so that you can cough out the stiff mucus.

    No. Bromhexine is not an antibiotic, but a mucolytic agent that thins and brings mucus out through cough. However, when used along with an antibacterial agent, bromhexine multiplies the efficacy of the antibiotic. Usually, Bromhexine is prescribed along with amoxicillin to speed up the recovery process from influenza and the common cold.

    Doctors will usually prescribe bromhexine in an oral suspension (syrup). You can take it 2–4 times a day. Bromhexine tablets are prescribed thrice a day. While consuming bromhexine or any mucolytic drug, take precautions to drink enough fluids before and after consumption to reduce esophageal irritation and improve absorption.

    It takes your body around 24 hours to completely excrete bromhexine and its metabolites. However, depending on your body type and medical conditions, bromhexine may stay a little longer or shorter in your system. Consume a lot of fluids while taking bromhexine to enhance metabolism and excretion of the drug. Speak to our team at Yashoda Hospitals for speedy and expert medical advice and services. Let our experts answer your queries regarding dosage, precautions, and side effects of taking bromhexine.