Bromhexine
Clinical data | |
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AHFS/Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
Pregnancy category |
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ATC code | R05CB02 (WHO) |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | 75-80% |
Biological half-life | 12 hr |
Identifiers | |
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CAS Number | 3572-43-8 |
PubChem (CID) | 2442 |
DrugBank | DB09019 |
ChemSpider | 2348 |
UNII | Q1J152VB1P |
KEGG | D07542 |
ChEBI | CHEBI:77032 |
ChEMBL | CHEMBL253376 |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.020.622 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C14H20Br2N2 |
Molar mass | 376.13 |
3D model (Jmol) | Interactive image |
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Bromhexine is a mucolytic (expectorant) agent used in the treatment of respiratory disorders associated with viscid or excessive mucus. In addition, bromhexine has antioxidant properties.[1]
Function
Bromhexine is intended to support the body's mechanisms for clearing mucus from the respiratory tract.
It is secretolytic, increasing the production of serous mucus in the respiratory tract and makes the phlegm thinner and less viscous. This contributes to a secretomotoric effect by helping the cilia transport the phlegm out of the lungs. For this reason it is often added to 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. 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 8 mg/5 ml, 4 mg/5 ml, 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 and weight, but there are products for all age groups from infant on. Bromhexine is well established and tolerated.
Sometimes it is replaced by its metabolite ambroxol, as in Mucosolvan or Mucoangin.
Brand names
- Broncholyte Elixir
- Bisolvon
- Paxirasol
- Barkacin
- Bromhexin
- Vasican
- Bisolex
- Robitussin Chesty/Forte
- Duro-Tuss Chesty
- Benadryl Chesty/Forte
- Movex
- Bromex
- Solvex
- Mucolyte
- Brofentol
- Brofentol Plus
- Dysolvon
- Flegamina
Ventilate Forte combination of Salbutamol and Bromhexine Mapra laboratories
References
- ↑ Morton, Ian; Hall, Judith (1999). Concise Dictionary of Pharmacological Agents. Springer. p. 55. ISBN 0-7514-0499-3. Retrieved 2009-06-03.