Bromhexine Hydrochloride tablets

What is Bromhexine?

Bromhexine is a cough medicine marketed by Healthypharm. The active ingredient bromhexine is an expectorant which works by loosening mucus in the chest, making it easier to cough up secretions. Bromhexine cough syrup should not be used for tickly (dry) coughs. Bromhexine is available in various strengths and can be used by adults and children aged two years and older.

What is it used for?

Bromhexine is used to treat productive, chesty coughs. The syrup or tablets make it easier to cough up the mucus, or phlegm, in the lungs and upper airways by making it thinner. Bromhexine takes effect after about five hours. This medicine can be used for chesty coughs caused by, for example, the flu, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis (CF).

How to use Bromhexine

Bromhexine cough syrup can be taken undiluted. It comes with a dosage beaker for measuring the proper amount. The cough syrup can be taken with or without food. Bromhexine is also available in tablet form. The tablets should be taken with water. It may take a while for the benefits of the cough syrup to appear. Do not stop using it if it does not relieve coughing immediately. Consult your doctor if the symptoms have not improved after 14 days.

Dosage

Bromhexine is available in two strengths: 4 mg and 8 mg (of the active ingredient per 5 ml of cough syrup). Bromhexine tablets only come in one strength (8 mg). The general recommended dose is:

• Adults and children aged 10 and older: 5 – 20 ml of cough syrup (strength: 4 mg) three times a day, 2.5 – 10 ml of cough syrup (strength: 8 mg) three times a day, or 0.5 – 2 tablets (4 to 16 mg) three times a day;
• Children aged 5 to 10 years: 5 – 20 ml of cough syrup (strength: 4 mg) three times a day, 2.5 – 5 ml of cough syrup (strength: 8 mg) three times a day, or 0.5 – 1 tablet (4 to 8 mg) three times a day;
• Children aged 2 to 5 years: 2.5 – 5 ml of cough syrup (strength: 4 mg) three times a day.

Bromhexine cough syrup should not be used in children under two years of age. Bromhexine tablets should not be used in children under five years of age. Read the package leaflet before use.

Side effects

This medicine may cause side effects such as:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach ache or diarrhoea);
• Lightheadedness;
• Sweating.

Consult a doctor if these or other side effects are severe. For more information, see the package leaflet.

When not to use Bromhexine

Do not use Bromhexine cough syrup if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. See the package leaflet for a list of all the ingredients. The cough syrup should not be given to children under the age of two years. The tablets should only be used in children aged five years and older. Expectorant cough medicine should not be combined with cough suppressants (medicine for tickly coughs).

Pregnancy/driving ability/alcohol

Do not use Bromhexine, or only with a doctor’s approval, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine may cause side effects that interfere with your ability to react. Stay out of traffic if you are less alert or dizzy. Bromhexine does not interact with alcohol.