Bromhexine

Bromhexine
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com	International Drug Names
Pregnancy; category	A (Aus);
ATC code	R05CB02 (WHO) ;
Legal status
Legal status	In general: Over-the-counter (OTC);
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	75–80%
Metabolism	Extensive hepatic
Metabolites	Ambroxol, others
Elimination half-life	12 hr
Excretion	Urine
Identifiers
	IUPAC name 2,4-Dibromo-6-{[cyclohexyl(methyl)amino]methyl}aniline;
CAS Number	3572-43-8 ;
PubChem CID	2442;
DrugBank	DB09019 ;
ChemSpider	2348 ;
UNII	Q1J152VB1P;
KEGG	D07542 ;
ChEBI	CHEBI:77032 ;
ChEMBL	ChEMBL253376 ;
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID6022686 ;
ECHA InfoCard	100.020.622
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C14H20Br2N2
Molar mass	376.136 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image;
	SMILES Brc1cc(c(N)c(Br)c1)CN(C)C2CCCCC2;
	InChI 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 ; Key:OJGDCBLYJGHCIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N ;
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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

^ Morton I, Hall J (1999). Concise Dictionary of Pharmacological Agents. Springer. p. 55. ISBN 0-7514-0499-3. Retrieved 2009-06-03.
^ Fischer J, Ganellin CR (2006). Analogue-based Drug Discovery. John Wiley & Sons. p. 544. ISBN 9783527607495.

[CDoPA-1] Morton I, Hall J (1999). Concise Dictionary of Pharmacological Agents. Springer. p. 55. ISBN 0-7514-0499-3. Retrieved 2009-06-03.

[Fis2006-2] Fischer J, Ganellin CR (2006). Analogue-based Drug Discovery. John Wiley & Sons. p. 544. ISBN 9783527607495.

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