The bromhexine hydrochloride is the substance that acts as active substance in the drug, which is mainly counter cough for its expectorant properties, causing a cleansing function in the airway , also facilitating the removal of secretions and decongestion so progressive.
It works effectively in cases of severe respiratory diseases, where it is difficult to eliminate accumulated phlegm, which is the main cause of the airways being blocked causing a strong cough.
Index
What is Bromhexine and what is it for?
Bromhexine is a drug is a broad expectorant that promotes the decrease in the secretion of mucus and secretions, expelling them and cleaning the lungs to free the airways. Among its main functions is to counteract the following conditions:
Emphysematous bronchitis and spastic bronchitis
They are slow and progressive diseases caused in most cases by external agents such as air pollution, obstructing the respiratory tract, thus causing the disease in the lungs, as well as inflammation and reduction of the bronchi, in the case of bronchitis. spastic.
Tracheo bronchitis
It happens when the inflammation of both the bronchi and the mucous membranes of the trachea occurs, dividing the disease into three stages according to its severity, into asthmatic, acute and chronic.
Bronchiectasis
This lung condition is when the larger airways widen and fill with difficult-to-expel phlegm.
Pneumoconiosis
It occurs when a lot of dust or minerals from the environment are inhaled and it is what lodges in the lungs, creating the conditions and symptoms of this disease.
Pre and post-surgery prophylaxis
This drug works very well as a preventative to administer before and after surgical interventions related to the lungs and bronchi.
In addition to those mentioned, it is also very effective in alleviating these ailments:
- Inflammatory chronic lung diseases
- Bronchial asthma
- Coughing up phlegm
How does Bromhexine work?
This drug has excellent mucoregulatory, expectorant and mucolytic properties, which are responsible for making all the phlegm that blocks the respiratory tract or is lodged in the organs of this system, to be dissolved to facilitate its expulsion more easily, especially when in addition of severe coughs, one suffers from irritation in the throat or bronchial tubes due to the same disease.
This medicine works effectively in cases of colds and influenza, immediately after being absorbed by the stomach and intestines, metabolizing in the liver and plasma, which are responsible for this work, beginning its effect after one hour after be administered, when it begins its concentration and travel through the bloodstream.
Bromhexine presentations available
This drug can be found for sale in pharmacies, under medical prescription preferably in the following presentations, which will be adapted according to the age of the patient and according to the severity of their condition:
- Syrup of 4 and 8mg that are equivalent to 5ml of Bromhexine hydrochloride, sold in 100 and 120 ml presentation in each bottle.
- Tablets with 8mg of Bromhexine hydrochloride content, presented in packs of 1 or 20 units.
- Injectable solution of 4mg, found in pharmacies in packs of 5 ampoules of 2ml of solution each.
- 2mg/ml drops.
- Nebulizer solution with 0.2% Bromhexine hydrochloride, for sale in bottles of 60ml of solution and a measuring cup.
How is Bromhexine administered?
While undergoing treatment, administering this medicine, in any case it is always advisable to drink plenty of water during the day and consult with the treating doctor so that he can indicate the appropriate dose and the correct use of the medicine can be done, thus avoiding consequences. more severe.
This drug, either as syrup, tablets or solution, has 3 routes of administration that are oral, intravenous and intramuscular, the recommended doses for information would be the following:
Bromhexine Infants between 5 and 10 years
If it is administered as tablets, it can be administered between ½ tablet or 1 every 8 hours or what is the same, 3 times a day. In the case of the syrup, it can be taken between 5 and 20 ml also 3 times a day, without exceeding the dose unless the doctor indicates it. Doses in children will always be determined according to weight, since in this case 0.5mg would be calculated for each kilo of the child per day.
Bromhexine Infants from 10 years and adults
The adolescent and adult should not exceed 48 mg per day, unless the doctor so requests based on the severity of the diagnosis, normally the amount of ½ and 1 tablet can be administered in adults 3 times a day and if it is syrup for the cough would also be 3 times a day the amount between 5 and 20 ml.
Contraindications of Bromhexine
It is important to highlight the contraindications that this drug presents before being administered, in order to avoid any major discomfort in time, among which we can mention are:
- Allergic or hypersensitive to the drug or its main component.
- Type 2 diabetics, especially if the oral solution is to be used.
- People with ulcers.
- Alcoholics, this is because alcohol increases the drowsiness that the use of this medicine already presents.
- Mix with antibiotics like amoxicillin and hallucinogens.
- Children under 5 years old, should not be used in any of its commercial presentations.
- Women in a state of pregnancy, especially if they are going through the first trimester or breastfeeding, since it can cross the placental barrier and be transmitted to the baby through breast milk.
Side effects of Bromhexine
The negative effects can occur in greater incidence or less frequently, depending on how each organism reacts to the drug, among the most common are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Burning in the pit of the stomach and pain in the upper abdomen.
- Diarrhea
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to the active ingredient of the drug.
- Irritation, skin rashes.
- Hives and itching
- Inflammation in the body, especially in the face, lips and tongue.
- appearance of blisters on the skin.
- symptoms of the common cold or flu.
- Dizziness, weakness, paleness, loss of consciousness.
- Excessive sweating
- Headache or severe headache.
- Asthma.
- Shortness of breath, rapid, wheezing breathing
Final warnings about Bromhexine
There are certain factors that are important to take into account when using this product, since any information may be relevant when an anomaly occurs and be of great help before deciding to treat with it. The most important precautions or warnings may be:
- The use of this drug may alter laboratory tests, because it may transiently elevate serum aminotransferase.
- Exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery, in case dizziness occurs during treatment.
- The excretion of the drug occurs through the kidneys within the first 24 hours, expelling approximately 70% of it, which is why it is recommended to drink plenty of water while being treated with it.
- Severe skin lesions can be a sign of a syndrome such as Stevens-Johnson or Lyell syndrome, so you should see a doctor immediately if adverse reactions like these occur to detect any abnormality in time.
- The medicine should be stored in a cool, dry place free from moisture at room temperature.
- Keep the product out of the reach of minors.
- In case of overdose, the treatment should be suspended and go to the specialist doctor, or to the first nearest emergency center.
- It will always be advisable to avoid self-medication by all means, both with this and with any medication, so it is always preferable to consult with a specialist to find out if it really is the medication that is needed and the appropriate one for the condition that is being suffered.
conclusion
As a final recommendation, it can be emphasized that this drug should be used and administered under strict supervision of the specialist, always following its indications as prescribed, without skipping any doses and taking them if possible before, during or after each meal to achieve better absorption.
Likewise, if the stipulated time of treatment passes and you still do not notice any improvement, you should go back to the doctor to change the treatment or modify the doses. Self-medication is not recommended.
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Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.