Bromhexine Hcl
Bromhexine hydrochloride (hcl) is a drug that you can use to treat various respiratory conditions that cause increased mucus secretion (phlegm or mucus). For example, such as the common cold, phlegmy cough, respiratory tract infections, and influenza. This drug comes from the Adhatoda vasica plant and helps clear excess mucus, relieve breathing, and reduce coughing.
This medicine is classified as an expectorant or mucolytic agent with low chemical content. The way this medicine works is by thinning mucus so that it can be more easily expelled through coughing.
Bromhexine hcl is available in tablets, sugar-coated lozenges, and syrup. You can use this medicine alone or mix it with other ingredients, such as diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin to reduce phlegm.
Benefits of Bromhexine Hcl
You can use this medicine to treat phlegmy coughs. However, this medicine can also treat other respiratory conditions characterized by excess mucus in the respiratory tract, such as:
- Common flu.
- Influenza.
- Chest tightness.
- Acute and chronic bronchitis.
Bromhexine hcl is also often prescribed by doctors as an additional antibiotic if there is a severe respiratory tract infection. In fact, this drug has also been used orally and topically by doctors in the treatment of dry eye syndrome associated with abnormal mucus production.
Bromhexine Hcl Dosage
The dosage of Bromhexine hcl can vary. Be sure to follow the dosage recommended by your doctor or according to the instructions on the packaging label. Here are the general dosages:
For adults
- Tablet form: 8-16 milligrams (mg), 3 times a day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 8-10 days unless the doctor requests it.
- Oral solution: 10 mg, 3 times daily. The duration of treatment should not exceed 8-10 days unless directed by a physician.
For kids
- Tablet form. For children over 10 years of age: 8-16 milligrams (mg), 3 times a day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 8-10 days unless directed by a doctor.
- Oral solution: For children over 10 years of age: 10 mg, 3 times daily.
For children under 10 years of age: 0.5 mg/kg per day, divided into 2-4 doses. For example, as follows:
Children 5 – 10 years: 4 mg/time (1 teaspoon) 4 times daily.
Children from 2 years to under 5 years: 4 mg (1/2 teaspoon), 2 times a day. Children under 2 years: 1 mg (1/4 teaspoon) 3 times a day.
The duration of treatment should not exceed 8-10 days unless the doctor requests it.
How to Use Bromhexine Hcl
Use according to the dosage recommended by your doctor. Do not take more, less or longer than your doctor recommends. You can take this medicine either before or after meals.
Here’s how to take Bromhexine hcl in tablet and syrup form:
Tablet medicine
Swallow bromhexine HCL tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not split, crush or break them. This can affect the effectiveness of the drug.
Syrup medicine
For bromhexine hcl in syrup form, take the medicine according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging or according to the rules for taking the medicine by the doctor. Shake the syrup medicine first before taking it.
Also, avoid using a household spoon to pour the syrup, but use the container provided in the package. This is to prevent inaccurate dosage.
If you forget to take your medication, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the time gap with the next scheduled dose is near, skip the missed dose and do not double the dose. You should contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens, or if new symptoms appear.
Cautions for Using Bromhexine Hcl
- Before using Bromhexine hcl, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medicines. This product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause serious allergic reactions or other serious problems.
- Before taking medication, also tell your doctor if you have a medical history such as stomach ulcers, asthma, kidney disease, stomach disease, stomach ulcers, stomach pain, and severe liver or kidney disorders.
- There is actually no adequate research on the risks of using Bromhexine hcl in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. However, it is best to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medication.
Bromhexine Hcl Side Effects
Some common side effects that can occur with the use of this drug are:
- Ear irritation.
- Skin rash.
- Allergy.
- Dizzy.
- Headache.
- Nauseous.
- Vomit.
- Diarrhea.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rash.
- Sweating.
- Respiratory tract infection.
- Throat infection.
Bromhexine Hcl Interactions
Interactions may occur when bromhexine hcl is used together with certain drugs. It can affect the performance of the drug or increase the risk of side effects.
One of the drugs that has the potential to cause interactions with bromhexine hcl is antibiotic drugs, such as amoxicillin, cefuroxime, erythromycin, and doxycycline. Taking both types of drugs together can cause increased antibiotic concentrations in the lungs.
In addition, avoid taking bromhexine hcl with other cough medicines, because it can cause phlegm to become blocked in the respiratory tract.