Bromhexine or Bisolvon
Bromhexine is a synthetic benzylamine derivative of alkaloid vasicine obtained from the plant Adhatoda vasaca.
It is given orally, parenteral and by inhalation. It is commonly kmown by the commercial name bisolvon.
By breaking the secretions it males the sputum and the phlegm thin and of less viscosity.
Then the sputum becomes thin it is cleared more easily and fast by the cilia on the mucosa of the respiratory tract. This mucolytic effect is utilized in cough syrups containing bromhexine.Experimentally, the drug reduces the viscosity of sputum by dissolving mucopolysaccharide fibers. It is usually administered in doses of 8-16 mg. thrice daily. Adverse reactions are minor and infrequent. It can be combined with bronchodilators.
It is one of the commonest cough syrup in use.
Other Bromhexine Commercial Names
- Bromhexin
- Solvex
- Bisolvon
- Mucolyte
- Dysolvon
- Barkacin
- Movex
- Ventilate Forte
- Bisolex
- Robitussin
- Duro-Tuss
- Benadryl
- Broncholyte Elixir
- Paxirasol
- Brofentol
- Brofentol Plus
- Vasican
- Bromex
- Flegamina
Ambroxol is an active metabolite of this drug that also acts as a mucolytic and is commercially available.
Bromhexine Preprations
- Syrup of 8 mg/5 ml,
- Syrup of 4 mg/5 ml,
- 8 mg tablets
- Solution of 10 mg/5 ml
Its main indication is respiratory infections either of upper or lower respiratory tract.