How do you take Bromhexine (Bromhexine Hydrochloride)?

Adults should take 1 tablet (8mg) three times a day, with or after food. If you are using the syrup form like Broncholyte Elixir, follow the dosage on the bottle. You can take it with water. It usually starts working within a few days, but keep taking it as directed.

What are the side effects of Bromhexine (Bromhexine Hydrochloride)?

Stomach upset or mild nausea, diarrhea or loose stool, headache, mild dizziness, sweating

Who should not take Bromhexine (Bromhexine Hydrochloride)?

People who are allergic to bromhexine or any ingredient in the product. People with stomach ulcers should avoid it as it may worsen symptoms. It should be used with caution in people with severe liver or kidney problems. Children under 2 years should not take it without a doctor's prescription.

OTC

Mucolytic (catarrh/phlegm thinner)

Bromhexine

Q: What is Bromhexine (Bromhexine Hydrochloride) used for?

Chest catarrh, cough with thick phlegm, bronchitis, blocked chest, mucus buildup from cold or chest infections

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Bromhexine is a mucolytic medicine that works by breaking down and thinning thick mucus (phlegm/catarrh) in your chest and airways, making it easier for you to cough it out.

How it works

Disrupts mucopolysaccharide bonds in respiratory mucus by cleaving disulfide linkages, reducing mucus viscosity and facilitating clearance of thick secretions from the airways.

What is it used for?

Chest catarrhcough with thick phlegmbronchitisblocked chestmucus buildup from cold or chest infections

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Cough & Cold

Available Over The Counter

Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.

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What to watch out for

Only buy from licensed pharmacies and avoid roadside sellers, as fake or expired cough medicines are common in Nigeria. Do not combine it with cough suppressants unless your pharmacist advises you to. If your cough with phlegm does not improve after 5–7 days or you start coughing blood, see a doctor immediately.

Common Side Effects

Stomach upset or mild nausea
diarrhea or loose stool
headache
mild dizziness
sweating

Serious Side Effects

Severe skin rash
blistering
or peeling: stop the drug immediately and go to the hospital. Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat (allergic reaction): this is an emergency
seek help right away.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking bromhexine together with cough suppressants (cough medicines that stop you from coughing, like codeine-based syrups) because bromhexine loosens mucus so you need to cough it out. It can increase the amount of antibiotics like amoxicillin that get into your lungs, which may be helpful but should be managed by your doctor. Alcohol may worsen stomach upset.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Bromhexine is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to bromhexine or any ingredient in the product. People with stomach ulcers should avoid it as it may worsen symptoms. It should be used with caution in people with severe liver or kidney problems. Children under 2 years should not take it without a doctor's prescription.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Always keep out of reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.