Bromhexine

Chemical compound (mucolytic drug)
  • A (Aus)
ATC code
  • R05CB02 (WHO)
Legal statusLegal status
  • In general: Over-the-counter (OTC)
Pharmacokinetic dataBioavailability75–80%MetabolismExtensive hepaticMetabolitesAmbroxol, othersElimination half-life12 hrExcretionUrineIdentifiers
  • 2,4-Dibromo-6-{[cyclohexyl(methyl)amino]methyl}aniline
CAS Number
  • 3572-43-8 checkY
PubChem CID
  • 2442
DrugBank
  • DB09019 ☒N
ChemSpider
  • 2348 checkY
UNII
  • Q1J152VB1P
KEGG
  • D07542 checkY
ChEBI
  • CHEBI:77032 ☒N
ChEMBL
  • ChEMBL253376 checkY
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
  • DTXSID6022686 Edit this at Wikidata
ECHA InfoCard100.020.622 Edit this at WikidataChemical and physical dataFormulaC14H20Br2N2Molar mass376.136 g·mol−13D model (JSmol)
  • Interactive image
  • Brc1cc(c(N)c(Br)c1)CN(C)C2CCCCC2
  • InChI=1S/C14H20Br2N2/c1-18(12-5-3-2-4-6-12)9-10-7-11(15)8-13(16)14(10)17/h7-8,12H,2-6,9,17H2,1H3 checkY
  • Key:OJGDCBLYJGHCIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
 ☒NcheckY (what is this?)  (verify)

Bromhexine is a mucolytic drug used in the treatment of respiratory disorders associated with viscid or excessive mucus.[1] It was developed in the research laboratory of Boehringer Ingelheim in the late 1950s as an active ingredient for pharmaceutical use, patented in 1961, introduced in 1963 under the trademark of Bisolvon® and came into medical use in 1966.[2]

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, which makes the phlegm thinner and less viscous. This contributes to a secretomotoric effect, allowing the cilia to more easily transport the phlegm out of the lungs. For this reason it is often added to cough syrups.

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.

Brand names

  • Barkacin
  • Benadryl Chesty/Forte
  • Bisolvon
  • Brofentol
  • Brofentol Plus
  • Bromex
  • Bromhexin
  • Broncholyte Elixir
  • Cofdex
  • Duro-Tuss Chesty/Forte
  • Dysolvon
  • Flegamina
  • Movex
  • Mucolyte
  • Paxirasol
  • Robitussin Chesty/Forte
  • Solvex
  • Vasican
  • Ventilate Forte (combination of bromhexine and salbutamol)

References

  1. ^ Morton I, Hall J (1999). Concise Dictionary of Pharmacological Agents. Springer. p. 55. ISBN 0-7514-0499-3. Retrieved 2009-06-03.
  2. ^ Fischer J, Ganellin CR (2006). Analogue-based Drug Discovery. John Wiley & Sons. p. 544. ISBN 9783527607495.
  • v
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ExpectorantsMucolyticsCough suppressants
Opium alkaloids,
opioids,
and derivatives
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