Cough medicine (combination: mucolytic, antitussive, and expectorant)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination cough medicine that works in three ways: Bromhexine thins and loosens thick mucus (phlegm) in your chest, Dextromethorphan calms down your cough reflex so you cough less, and Ammonium chloride helps bring the loosened phlegm out of your airways.
Bromhexine reduces mucus viscosity by breaking disulfide bonds in mucopolysaccharides, while dextromethorphan suppresses cough by acting as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist in the cough centre, and ammonium chloride promotes mucus secretion and clearance through reflex stimulation of bronchial glands.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.
Buy only from reputable pharmacies; do not buy cough syrups from roadside sellers or open markets as fake products are common in Nigeria. If your cough lasts more than one week or you start coughing blood, stop the medicine and see a doctor immediately. Do not combine with other cough syrups like codeine-containing medicines, as this is dangerous.
Do not take this with other cough medicines, as doubling up can cause dangerous side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine as it can make you very drowsy and dizzy. If you are taking any medicine for depression (like amitriptyline or fluoxetine), talk to your doctor before using this cough syrup as the combination can be harmful.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Bromhexine with your other drugs?
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can spoil medicines fast if left in hot rooms or near windows. Keep the bottle tightly closed after use and always keep it out of the reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.