Understanding What Drugs Contain Bromhexine: Single and Combination Formulations

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Bromhexine is a widely used mucolytic agent, with its active metabolite, Ambroxol, also serving a similar function in many cough and cold medications. As a result, many people ask what drugs contain bromhexine to effectively treat respiratory conditions associated with thick, excessive mucus.

Quick Summary

Bromhexine is a mucolytic agent found in numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications. It is available in single-ingredient products and various combination formulas with other drugs like guaifenesin or salbutamol to relieve respiratory congestion.

Key Points

Single-Ingredient Brands: Bromhexine is available as a single active ingredient in many drugs, with the brand name Bisolvon being a prominent example.
Combination Formulations: The drug is frequently combined with other active ingredients like guaifenesin, salbutamol, or antibiotics to create multi-symptom respiratory medications.
Function: As a mucolytic, bromhexine works by breaking down mucus fibers and increasing the production of thin, watery mucus, making phlegm less viscous and easier to clear from the airways.
Target Conditions: Bromhexine-containing drugs are used for respiratory disorders characterized by productive cough and excessive mucus, such as bronchitis, the common cold, and flu.
Common Side Effects: Reported side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea, as well as dizziness and headaches.
Special Precautions: Caution is advised for individuals with a history of stomach ulcers, asthma, or severe kidney/liver impairment.
Formulations: Bromhexine is found in various forms, including tablets, syrups, and soluble tablets.

What is Bromhexine?

Bromhexine is a secretolytic drug used to treat respiratory disorders characterized by thick or excessive mucus. It works by increasing the production of thinner, more watery serous mucus, which reduces the overall viscosity of the phlegm. This action helps the tiny hair-like cilia in the respiratory tract more easily transport the phlegm out of the lungs, facilitating its clearance. This property makes it a key ingredient in many medications designed to relieve chesty coughs and breathing difficulties associated with conditions like the common cold, flu, and bronchitis.

Single-Ingredient Medications Containing Bromhexine

In many countries, bromhexine is available as a stand-alone medication, sold under various brand names in different formulations such as tablets and oral syrups. These products are typically used when only a mucolytic effect is needed to loosen and thin mucus. Some common examples of single-ingredient bromhexine drugs include:

Bisolvon: One of the most well-known and widely available brands of bromhexine.
Bromex: A bromhexine product manufactured by Cipla.
Mucolyte: A brand of bromhexine available in several countries.
Flegamina: Another brand name for bromhexine.
Mucohexin: A bromhexine formulation.

Combination Medications with Bromhexine

Bromhexine is frequently combined with other active ingredients to provide a more comprehensive treatment for respiratory symptoms. These combinations address multiple issues, such as relieving cough, dilating airways, or treating underlying infections. Some common combination products include:

With Expectorants: Often combined with guaifenesin, another common expectorant, to both thin and loosen mucus for easier clearance. Examples include Benadryl Chesty Forte and Robitussin Chesty Cough Forte.
With Bronchodilators: Combined with bronchodilators like salbutamol to help relax the airway muscles and make breathing easier. An example is Ventilate Forte.
With Antitussives: Sometimes formulated with cough suppressants, though this combination can carry a risk of mucus accumulation if the patient cannot expel the loosened phlegm.
With Antibiotics: In some regions, bromhexine is combined with antibiotics like amoxicillin or cefaclor to treat severe respiratory infections by enhancing the antibiotic's efficacy and clearing infected mucus.

Comparing Single-Ingredient vs. Combination Formulations


Feature	Single-Ingredient Bromhexine (e.g., Bisolvon)	Combination Bromhexine (e.g., Benadryl Chesty Forte)
Primary Function	Solely acts as a mucolytic to thin and loosen mucus.	Provides multiple actions, such as mucolytic, expectorant, and/or bronchodilator effects.
Key Ingredients	Only bromhexine hydrochloride.	Bromhexine plus other ingredients (e.g., guaifenesin, salbutamol).
Symptom Focus	Addresses symptoms related to thick, viscous mucus.	Addresses a wider range of symptoms, including congestion, tight chest, and cough.
Side Effects	Typically limited to bromhexine's own side effects.	Potential for combined side effects from all active ingredients.
Best for	Individuals needing only to clear stubborn mucus.	Individuals with complex symptoms like a chesty cough with tightness or congestion.
Dosage	Dosage is specific to bromhexine alone.	Dosage depends on the specific combination product and its ingredients.

Mechanism of Action Explained

The effectiveness of bromhexine comes from its dual mechanism of action:

Increases Serous Mucus Production: Bromhexine stimulates the cells lining the respiratory tract to produce more serous (thin, watery) mucus. This action makes the overall phlegm less viscous and easier to expel.
Activates Lysosomes: The drug increases the activity of lysosomes, which are cellular organelles containing enzymes. This enhances the hydrolysis of acid mucopolysaccharide polymers, which are key components of thick mucus. By breaking down these fibers, bromhexine further reduces the stickiness of the phlegm.

Therapeutic Use and Precautions

Bromhexine and its related products are indicated for 'secretolytic therapy in bronchopulmonary diseases associated with abnormal mucus secretion and impaired mucus transport'. It is particularly effective for productive coughs, where mucus is present. However, certain precautions and side effects should be noted:

Gastrointestinal Effects: Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and upper abdominal pain.
History of Ulcers: It should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastric or duodenal ulcers, as its mucolytic effect may damage the gastric mucosal barrier.
Allergic Reactions: Rare but serious skin rashes and allergic reactions have been reported.
Asthma Patients: Caution is advised for asthmatic patients, as bromhexine can occasionally trigger bronchospasm.
Children and Elderly: Individuals unable to effectively cough up mucus, particularly young children and the very frail elderly, should use bromhexine with care due to the risk of mucus accumulation.
Drowsiness: Some formulations may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

For most people, bromhexine is well-tolerated, but it is always best to consult a healthcare professional, especially when considering combination products or for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Conclusion

What drugs contain bromhexine is a question with a broad answer, as this versatile mucolytic is a primary ingredient in many chesty cough and congestion remedies. Found in single-ingredient products like Bisolvon and combined with other agents such as guaifenesin and salbutamol in multi-symptom formulas, bromhexine plays a crucial role in managing conditions with excessive or thick mucus. By breaking down and thinning phlegm, it aids the body's natural clearance mechanisms, providing relief from chest congestion. Whether a single or combination product is appropriate depends on the specific symptoms being treated and individual health considerations, making consultation with a healthcare provider important for safe and effective use.

One resource for further reading on the pharmacology and uses of bromhexine is the DrugBank entry on the compound.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while Bisolvon is one of the most well-known brands containing bromhexine, many other single-ingredient and combination products also contain it. Some other examples include Bromex, Mucolyte, and certain Benadryl and Robitussin cough formulations.

Yes, bromhexine is frequently used in combination with other medications. It is often combined with expectorants like guaifenesin and bronchodilators such as salbutamol to provide more comprehensive relief for respiratory symptoms.

Ambroxol is an active metabolite of bromhexine, meaning it is a compound that the body produces as it breaks down bromhexine. Both are mucolytic agents with similar functions, but they are distinct compounds.

In many countries, yes, bromhexine is widely available as an over-the-counter medication. However, its availability and status can vary by region, and age restrictions for cough and cold medicines may apply.

Bromhexine is specifically indicated for a productive or 'chesty' cough, which is associated with the production of thick, excessive mucus. It is not intended for dry coughs.

Although rare, bromhexine can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and urticaria. In more severe cases, serious cutaneous adverse reactions have been reported.

Bromhexine may increase the absorption and concentration of certain antibiotics, such as amoxicillin. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including OTC drugs and supplements.