Bromhexine

Bromhexine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2,4-dibromo-6-{[cyclohexyl(methyl)amino]methyl}aniline
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 75-80%
Half-life 12 hr
Identifiers
3572-43-8 Yes
R05CB02
PubChem CID 2442
DrugBank DB09019 
ChemSpider 2348 Yes
UNII Q1J152VB1P Yes
KEGG D07542 Yes
ChEBI CHEBI:77032 
ChEMBL CHEMBL253376 Yes
Chemical data
Formula C14H20Br2N2
376.13
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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

References

  1. ↑ Morton, Ian; Hall, Judith (1999). Concise Dictionary of Pharmacological Agents. Springer. p. 55. ISBN 0-7514-0499-3. Retrieved 2009-06-03.