In the complex treatment of respiratory diseases, accompanied by coughing, the main place is occupied by preparations with an expectorant effect. They improve the release of the respiratory tract from mucus and thereby improve the condition of the patient. One of the most common expectorant drugs is Bromhexine. The instruction refers it to mucolytics, which dilute sputum and accelerate its excretion from the respiratory tract. For the convenience of patients, the drug is available in tablets of different dosages, syrup for children and drops, it is indicated for the treatment of children from 2 years old and adults. But because of its synthetic origin, Bromhexine should be taken only as directed by a doctor.
Company "Berlin Chemie"
The instruction to Bromhexine notes that this is an effective drug with a mucolytic effect, which begins to appear within 24 hours after the start of treatment. The most famous company producing a drug with such a trade name is Berlin Chemie. Patients and doctors have more confidence in her, and the syrup for babies has a pleasant apricot taste. This company has existed for over 100 years and has established itself as the best manufacturer of drugs due to its high quality.
Forms of drug release
The drug "Bromhexine" is the best drug with an expectorant effect. It is available in tablets, syrup, drops and injection. What form to choose for treatment can only be determined by a doctor. Although the instruction to Bromhexine notes that they all have a similar effect, there are certain features for each of them.
- For children, Bromhexine is most often prescribed in the form of a syrup. It does not contain lactose, sugar and alcohol. Of the auxiliary components in the syrup, there is only sorbitol, citric acid, vanillin and some other nutritional supplements that are absolutely safe for the child.
- The most common form is Bromhexine in tablets. Instructions for use notes that they can be taken at any age, starting from 6 years. After all, tablets are available in two varieties - 4 mg and 8 mg each.
- Bromhexine in drops is also effective. Its peculiarity is that in addition to the active substance, the composition includes additional components: extracts of thyme, eucalyptus, fennel, anise, peppermint oil and menthol. These substances enhance the effect of the drug and make its taste more pleasant.
Features of the drug
Due to the characteristics of bromhexine hydrochloride, it quickly penetrates into all cells and is found in various tissues and body fluids. This substance is metabolized in the liver, being converted to ambroxol. Almost 90% of it is then excreted through the kidneys. All metabolites of the drug quickly penetrate into the lungs, pass through the placental and blood-brain barrier.
In the respiratory organs of bromhexine, hydrochloride affects the secretory function of the bronchi. This helps to reduce the viscosity of the mucus and increase its volume. In addition, the drug stimulates the movement of the cilia of the walls of the bronchi, so mucus is more easily excreted from them. It is believed that bromhexine does not affect the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, therefore, with a common cold or laryngitis, it is not used.
Indications for use
The instruction for Bromhexine Berlin Chemi recommends using it for any pathology of the respiratory system, accompanied by viscous sputum and difficulty in expectoration. It could be:
- tracheitis;
- tracheobronchitis;
- bronchitis;
- cystic fibrosis;
- bronchial asthma;
- COPD, emphysema;
- pneumonia of any etiology;
- tuberculosis;
- smoker's cough.
In addition, the drug can be prescribed before diagnostic procedures, as well as after operations on the respiratory system. This will help prevent the formation of viscous sputum in the bronchi.
Contraindications
Instructions for use "Bromhexine" categorically prohibits taking it only with individual intolerance to the active ingredients of the drug. But you should use this medicine with caution during pregnancy. The drug is sometimes prescribed in the second or third trimester, but only if the doctor has no choice. The same instructions apply to the lactation period. It is recommended to stop breastfeeding during therapy, since the active substance of the drug quickly penetrates into milk.
With great caution and only under the supervision of a doctor, it is recommended to use the Bromhexine instruction in the presence of peptic ulcer, with pathologies of the liver or kidneys, as well as with suspected bleeding in the digestive tract. In addition, doctors try not to prescribe the drug to patients with bronchial asthma. Although the instructions for use for Bromhexine contain this disease in the list of indications. With caution, the drug is also prescribed to the elderly. They require special dosage and medical supervision.
Side effects
The drug in most cases is well tolerated by patients, even young children. But the instructions for use with Bromhexine Berlin Chemi warns of the possibility of side effects. They usually appear if the drug is not used as directed by the doctor, if the rules of admission are violated or contraindications are not taken into account. In this case, such reactions may appear:
- nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, indigestion;
- itching, rash, urticaria;
- increased cough, bronchospasm;
- headaches, dizziness;
- increased sweating;
- fatigue, lethargy;
Usually, side effects when used correctly are rare, especially when using a Berlin Chemi drug.
"Bromhexine": instructions for use
Treatment with this drug should be prescribed by a doctor. It determines what form of release is better to use, in what dosage to take Bromhexine. Instructions for use of the tablet are recommended for use by adults. Usually it is recommended to drink 8 mg or 1-2 tablets. Take the drug 3-4 times a day. The instruction recommends drinking Bromhexine tablets regardless of the meal, but it is very important to drink the drug with plenty of water.
In severe cases, only on the recommendation of a doctor, the dose can be doubled. But it is best to use the drug in the form of injections for a serious course of pneumonia or bronchitis. It is administered 2 ml 2 or 3 times a day. The injection should be done intramuscularly or intravenously. The drug is administered as slowly as possible, this will help to avoid the development of side effects. The parenteral administration of "Bromhexine" instruction recommends also use for cystic fibrosis and after surgery to prevent the accumulation of viscous sputum.
The drug in drops can be used for oral administration in the same dosage as tablets. 8 mg of bromhexine is contained in 23 drops. For children, drops are used only from 12 years old in the same dosage. The solution is also used for inhalation. Adults need 8 mg per procedure. Usually, 2 inhalations are recommended per day.
The duration of the drug treatment is determined by the doctor. It usually lasts 5-7 days. If there is no improvement during this time, you should consult your doctor about changing the drug.
Application for children
This drug is indicated for use in babies from the age of two. Usually they use a special children's form of release. This is a syrup or baby tablets that contain a lower dosage of the active ingredient. For children from 6 years of age, the Bromhexin tablets are allowed to be taken in an adult dosage - 8 mg three times a day. But more often they are given syrup, which is easier to dose, since a special measuring spoon or glass is included in the package. Babies from 2 to 6 years old are shown to give 2.5-5 ml of syrup, from 6 to 10 years - 5 ml, and older children - 10 ml. Give the child a drug in this dose three times a day. Adult dosage is allowed only from 14 years old.
Often children are also recommended to do inhalation with Bromhexine solution. Moreover, up to 6 years it is allowed to use only 1 ml 2, from 6 to 10 years - 2 ml, and after 10 years - 4 ml. Inhalation is done twice a day.
special instructions
Often, as part of a comprehensive treatment, doctors prescribe the drug Bromhexine Berlin Chemie. Instructions for use in such cases recommends caution in the combination of several drugs. This drug is not prescribed together with alkaline solutions, for example, during inhalation. In addition, you can not take "Bromhexine" in conjunction with preparations containing codeine or butamirate. These substances block the cough reflex, therefore, the discharge of liquefied sputum can be difficult. But it works well with various plant extracts and essential oils.
The drug "Bromhexine" is prescribed only with a wet cough with sputum that is difficult to discharge. If the cough is dry, taking this remedy is undesirable, it can only worsen the patient’s condition and lead to chest pain. To improve sputum discharge, you need to drink more fluid during treatment.
Analogues of the drug
Based on the active substance bromhexine, there are not many drugs. In addition to the well-known Bromhexine Berlin Chemi, you can also find Vero-Bromhexine of Russian manufacture, a preparation from the Borisov Plant and other manufacturers on sale. Complete analogues of the drug are also medicines "Solmin" and "Flekoksin". And the phlegamine syrup contains, in addition to bromhexine, peppermint oil, eucalyptus extract and menthol.
In addition, there are many drugs containing ambroxol. This substance is similar to bromhexine, as it is its metabolite. There are such preparations based on ambroxol: "Lazolvan", "Ambrobene", "Ambrohexal", "Halixol". They are also available in tablets, drops or syrup. The drugs “ACC”, “Mukaltin”, “Libexin”, “Bronchobos”, “Fluditek”, “Bronchipret” and others also have a similar effect. But when choosing a medicine for the treatment of cough, it is necessary to rely on the recommendations of the doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable, especially if the child is sick.
Usage Reviews
Many doctors prescribe "Bromhexine" for various diseases accompanied by a wet cough. After all, it is highly effective and rarely causes side effects. Patients also like this drug. They note that in a few days it helps to cope with a persistent cough, eases the general condition. Patients like that for a low price, and tablets cost from 50 to 100 rubles, you can buy such an effective medicine.