Bromhexine Hydrochloride

Bromhexine Hydrochloride is a mucolytic expectorant medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Relief of productive cough where thick, sticky mucus is present.
• Adjunct treatment in acute or chronic bronchopulmonary conditions associated with abnormal mucus secretion and impaired mucus clearance, as advised by a healthcare professional.

Adults usually take Bromhexine Hydrochloride by mouth according to the prescribed strength and dosage form. A commonly used adult oral dose is 8–16 mg three times daily, but the exact dose, frequency, and duration should be decided by the prescribing doctor, especially for different formulations such as syrup, solution, tablet, powder, or bolus.

• Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, indigestion, headache, dizziness, or increased sweating.
• Uncommon or rare: rash, itching, urticaria, swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, bronchospasm, or severe allergic reaction.
• Very rare but serious: severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis; stop the medicine and seek urgent medical help if blistering rash, mouth ulcers, or peeling skin occurs.

Use caution in people with a history of stomach ulcer, severe liver or kidney disease, asthma or tendency to bronchospasm, or long-lasting cough with fever, weight loss, blood in sputum, or breathing difficulty. Do not combine with cough suppressants unless advised, because mucus may be retained. Use under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Cough suppressants such as codeine or dextromethorphan may reduce the ability to clear loosened mucus and should be combined only on medical advice.
• Bromhexine Hydrochloride may increase bronchial penetration of some antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cefuroxime, erythromycin, or doxycycline; this is not usually harmful but antibiotics should be used only when prescribed.
• No important food interaction is well established; follow the product instructions and take with water.

• Known hypersensitivity to bromhexine or any component of the formulation.
• Do not use for children or special populations unless the specific product is appropriate and a healthcare professional has advised it.

During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, Bromhexine Hydrochloride should be used only if a doctor considers it necessary. It is not generally recommended during breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor, because safety data are limited.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed, follow the label instructions for liquid preparations, and keep all medicines out of the reach of children.