Currently, Bromhexine is a widely prescribed drug in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Often, Bromhexine is prescribed to children in complex therapy for various variants of the course of the disease, therefore, the main characteristics of this drug and the validity of its appointment are of considerable concern to parents of babies of different ages.
Brief characteristics of Bromhexine
Active ingredient, Latin name
Bromhexine is a medical drug for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, the active substance of the drug is Bromhexine hydrochloride, in Latin - bromhexine hydrochloride, is produced in various forms and has the following actions:
- decrease in sputum viscosity (mucolytic action);
- improving sputum discharge (expectorant action);
- stimulation of the epithelium respiratory tract;
- slight decrease in cough intensity (weak antitussive effect);
- stimulation of surfactant production (ensures the stability of the alveoli of the lungs during breathing).
Antitussive action and surfactant production - do not have a significant evidence base, Bromhexine is not the main drug for solving problems of intense cough and low surfactant levels.
Release form
Bromhexine on the pharmaceutical market is presented in the form of: tablets, dragees, oral solution, Bromhexine syrup, injection and inhalation solutions.
The most popular bromhexine preparations on the market
The most common trade names for bromhexine are:
- Bromhexine 8 Berlin-Chemie and Bromhexine 4 Berlin-Chemie (differ in the concentration of the active substance, produced in the form of pills and mixtures);
- Bromhexine-Akrikhin (tablets of 4 and 8 mg);
- Phlegamin (produced in two dosage forms, in the form of tablets (standard dosage - 8 mg) and syrup;
- Bromhexine Nycomed (available in the form of a solution for internal use, the content of the active substance is 0.8 mg in 1 ml);
- Bronchotil (syrup in 5ml-4mg).
Pharmacokinetics
What changes occur with the drug in the body?
When taken through the digestive tract, Bromhexine is absorbed in the stomach and partially in the intestines by 90-99% in about 30 minutes. At the first filtration in the liver cells, the amount of the drug in the blood is reduced by about 10%.
Then Bromhexine "settles" on the proteins of the liquid part of the blood and passes with them through the blood-brain barrier of the brain and the placenta barrier in pregnant women.
In the liver, Bromhexine breaks down into its constituent parts, which are active for 12-15 hours. The highest concentration of the active substance is detected approximately 1 hour after taking the drug. The breakdown elements of Bromhexine are excreted through the kidney filter.
With repeated administration, due to the slow half-life, the concentration of Bromhexine hydrochloride can increase in the blood and have a toxic effect on organs.
Indications for the appointment of Bromhexine
In what cases is this medicinal product indicated?
- Inflammatory lung disease in chronic or acute form (bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis of the lungs).
- With occupational diseases (pneumoconiosis).
- For prophylaxis before and after surgery.
- When performing an invasive procedure - bronchography.
- Often used in children for inflammatory diseases with poorly escaping sputum, prolonged cough, in diseases with an obstructive component (impaired airway patency).
Contraindications
Contraindications for the use of Bromhexine:
- with intolerance to the drug itself;
- the period of pregnancy (especially during the first trimester, given the ability to penetrate the drug through the barrier of the placental membranes);
- lactation period;
- exacerbation of ulcers of internal organs (stomach or duodenum);
- decreased functioning of the kidneys and liver.
The first third of pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications for the use of the drug. During the second and last trimesters of pregnancy, the drug is used with great care and only with the permission of a doctor!
Any indications and contraindications of the drug are individual! Before you start taking it, you need to consult your doctor, especially with the current use of other medications.
How to dose Bromhexine correctly
For adults (patients over 18 years old) Bromhexine is prescribed in tablets. The recommended frequency of administration is 3-4 times a day. With an uncomplicated course of the disease, a single dose is 8 mg (1 tablet), if necessary, the dose can be increased to 8 tablets per day.
Bromhexine for children is taken depending on age.
In children over ten the dose and frequency of administration are similar to those in adults.
Preschoolers the drug is prescribed three times during the day at half the adult dosage (4 mg).
Under 3 years old it is recommended to use it in the form of a syrup - the dosage is determined by the attending physician.
When inhaled:
- Adults 8 mg 2-3 times a day.
- Bromhexine for children:
- 10-18 years old - 4 mg 2-3 times a day;
- 6-10 years old - 2 mg 2 times a day;
- up to 6 years up to 2 mg 2 times a day.
The injection form is used only for severe disease, it is used most often in a hospital setting.
The effect of the drug is cumulative and manifests itself after 1-2 days, so you should not expect an instantaneous effect after taking Bromhexine.
The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor depending on the goals and severity of the pathological condition, ranging from 6 days to 4 weeks.
Are complications possible when taking Bromhexine
Overdose
Overdose cases of Bromhexine are rare, the toxic dose for adults is more than 80 mg per day (more than 10 tablets of 8 mg).
Side effects
Like most drugs, Bromhexine can cause a number of side effects in humans.
The gastrointestinal tract is most often affected.
This can manifest itself in a number of symptoms:
- discomfort in the liver and laboratory-confirmed increase in liver enzymes;
- in the presence of a peptic ulcer, an exacerbation of the process may occur;
- nausea is the most common complication.
It is also possible the appearance of adverse reactions from the nervous system, manifested in the form of headaches and dizziness.
Despite the fact that the drug is aimed at combating cough, the respiratory system can react unexpectedly with increased sensitivity to the components of the drug - a spasm of the bronchi and small bronchioles appears, and the intensity of the cough increases.
Slightly less often, side effects are observed on the part of the skin in the form of increased sweating and the appearance of various allergic rashes.
Is Bromhexine compatible with other drugs
Not compatible with alkaline solutions, no other proven interactions have been identified.
Peculiarities of purchasing in pharmacies
Average price
The average price in Moscow pharmacies for a tablet form is quite affordable, ranging from 20 to 40 rubles for 50 tablets. The syrup has a higher price category - 100-200 rubles for 60-100 ml.
Do I need a prescription
For the purchase of Bromhexine hydrochloride drugs in pharmacies, a prescription is not required, it belongs to non-prescription drugs.
Storage conditions
The drug does not require special storage conditions - store in a dry, dark place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees, like most drugs. It is necessary to limit access to the medicine for children to avoid accidental swallowing and overdose.
The practitioner's opinion
According to practicing experts, Bromhexine is an excellent remedy for the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system in children and adults, it has different forms of release and an affordable price for the population. With a careful study of the instructions and adherence to the recommendations of doctors, it effectively and relatively safely fights the main problems with lung disease.
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