Bromhexine syrup for children - instructions for use

Despite the abundance of antitussive pharmaceutical developments, the choice of an effective and safe remedy for children is still a problem.

The list of proven and truly effective agents does not include many drugs. One of them is Bromhexine Syrup, a drug that has a unique therapeutic effect on the respiratory tract.

Syrup for children Bromhexine: release form, composition

Bromhexine is the trade name for cough medicines created on the basis of the chemical compound Bromhexine hydrochloride, the active component of all types of drugs.

The substance bromhexine is an artificially synthesized analogue of vasicin - the active element of the adhatoda Vasik plant, which has the ability to thin the sputum and facilitate its removal from the body.

To get rid of a child's cough, Bromhexine syrup for children is used - a sweet medicinal solution with flavors of raspberries, duchess, cherry or apricot. Treatment with aromatic syrup does not cause rejection in children and allows you to quickly get the desired effect.

In the domestic market, you can find several types of syrups based on Bromhexine - from the Latvian manufacturer JSC Grindeks and a drug manufactured by the Borisov Plant of Medicines.

Whereas for the treatment of adults, German pharmacists have developed a drug in the form of dragees - Bromhexine Berlin Chemie.

The composition of the drug

Bromhexine baby syrup is a clear, colorless or yellowish liquid. In one package is a bottle of dark glass with a volume of 100 ml, which is equivalent to 80 mg of the active substance bromhexine hydrochloride, and a measuring spoon.

In addition, the preparation contains a small amount of excipients - sorbitol, propylene glycol, propyl paraben, methyl paraben, food flavoring and purified water.

The composition of the syrup produced by Latvian manufacturers is slightly different. In addition to the main component and purified water, additional substances in the composition of the product are methyl parahydroxybenzoate, sorbitol, ethanol 96%, levomenthol, anise and peppermint oil, as well as fennel oil.

Pharmacological properties and indications for use

All types of preparations based on bromhexine belong to the pharmacological group of secretolytics (mucolytics) and stimulators of motor function of the respiratory tract.

Like other bronchosecretolytic drugs, Bromhexine:

• stimulates bronchial secretion;
• dilutes sputum, reduces its viscosity;
• enhances the functionality of the ciliated epithelium of bronchioles;
• increases the production of surfactants lining the internal cavities of the pulmonary alveoli;
• prevents the adhesion of the walls of the alveoli;
• activates peristalsis of the branches of the bronchial tree;
• enhances the secretion of bronchial glands;
• provides expectoration;
• reduces the intensity of coughing attacks.

The use of Bromhexine is indicated for all types of bronchopulmonary diseases, in which there is a cough with difficult discharge of sputum - obstructive bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, as well as cystic fibrosis with pulmonary manifestations.

In addition, Bromhexine is prescribed for measures to improve the bronchial tree of patients awaiting surgery, as well as a prophylactic to prevent the development of complications in the respiratory tract of postoperative patients.

What cough to take syrup, dry or wet

The appearance of a cough indicates a large accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms and irritating substances associated with their vital functions in the respiratory organs. With a dry cough, seizures occur suddenly and are rarely accompanied by sputum discharge, which makes it difficult for the patient to breathe.

The rapid penetration and effect of Bromhexine on bronchial tissues reduces the viscosity of sputum, increasing its volume and contributing to the conclusion. therefore the use of Bromhexine syrup is preferred for dry cough.

Instructions for use for children

Each package of Bromhexine is accompanied by instructions for the use of cough syrup. This document is compiled by the manufacturer and contains information that must be taken into account before starting treatment with the drug.

At what age can children be given

The use of the antitussive drug Bromhexine is indicated for children starting from the age of two.

For children under two years of age, taking syrup is not recommended, since the drug promotes intensive sputum discharge, which can be difficult for a small child to cough.

The accumulation of sputum in the tissues of the respiratory tract can lead to a complication of the underlying disease.

However, in special cases, a short course of treatment for children under two years of age is allowed. Bromhexine treatment in infants can only be carried out as prescribed by a doctor and under his full control.

Dosage for children

Taking Bromhexine Syrup improves coughing and makes breathing easier.

However, to achieve the optimal therapeutic effect, it is important that the dosage corresponds to the age category of the small patient:

• from two to five years - twice a day for 0.004 g;
• from five to fourteen years - twice a day for 0.008 g.

The average course of treatment with the drug is five days. An increase in the duration of the course of treatment is possible only at the initiative of the attending physician.

How to take syrup before or after a meal

Especially the convenience of treatment with Bromhexine lies not only in the effectiveness of its effects, but also in the absence of dependence of the use of the drug on food intake. Syrup does not cause irritation of the gastric mucosa, and the presence of food does not affect the level of its absorption by the digestive tract.

Thus, Bromhexine can be taken both during meals and before or after it.

Consequences of an overdose

An unauthorized increase in the dosage of the medicine recommended for treatment can cause a child's well-being — vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, mild forms of metabolic acidosis, visual disturbance, and coordination disorder.

To eliminate the consequences of an overdose of Bromhexine, special measures are provided to accelerate the removal of the drug from the body - artificially induced vomiting, gastric lavage, and the use of absorbents.

Proper storage conditions for syrup

A sealed package of Bromhexine Syrup can be stored for three years. After opening the bottle, its contents are recommended to be used within a month. It is important that during this period the medicine was stored in a dark place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.

Freezing of the medicine is unacceptable.

To enhance the effectiveness of Bromhexine during the treatment with the drug, it is recommended to increase the amount of fluid used.

Contraindications, side effects

Despite the extremely low level of toxicity and allergenicity of Bromhexine, in some cases, its administration can harm the patient's health.

Among the main contraindications for taking syrup:

• particular sensitivity to bromhexine hydrochloride;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
• genetically determined fructose intolerance;
• pregnancy;
• breast-feeding;
• violation of bronchomotor;
• large accumulation of mucus and sputum in the respiratory tract.

Caution should be taken when taking Bromhexine in patients with a weakened body, mechanical narrowing of the bronchi, renal failure, liver dysfunction, as well as patients who have previously suffered intestinal bleeding.

Possible adverse reactions

In most cases, treatment with Bromhexine is well tolerated by patients.

But there may be cases when certain components of the drug provoked the development of adverse reactions of the body:

• dizziness, headache;
• nausea followed by vomiting;
• stomach ache;
• increased activity of liver enzymes;
• acute forms of ulcerative processes;
• general weakness;
• a slight increase in body temperature;
• the appearance of shortness of breath;
• runny nose
• skin rashes, accompanied by itching and swelling.

If there are any signs of side effects after taking Bromhexine, you must stop treatment with the drug and consult a medical specialist for help as soon as possible.

The use of Bromhexine syrup during pregnancy

The use of Bromhexine during pregnancy is undesirable, but it is possible if the risk of a possible development of complications in the fetus is justified by the expected health benefits of the mother.

The first and third trimesters of pregnancy are considered the most dangerous to the health of the fetus.

During the period of breastfeeding, taking the drug is not recommended, since the active components of Bromhexine are able to penetrate into milk.

Therefore, if it is not possible to refuse treatment with the drug, it is necessary to stop breastfeeding until the end of taking Bromhexine.

Drug Interactions with Other Drugs

The simultaneous use of Bromhexine with other drugs can cause both positive and negative effects.

If the drug is taken in combination with antimicrobial therapy, the effectiveness of antibiotic exposure will increase significantly. The fact is that bromhexine hydrochloride promotes the penetration of drug components of the sulfonamide group into the lung tissue.

Along with this, taking the drug at the same time as codeine-containing drugs or drugs that suppress the cough reflex is undesirable. In such cases, the process of coughing is slowed down, causing stagnation of sputum in the lungs.

Also, the use of Bromhexine in combination with drugs that have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract is not recommended.

Drug Analogs

The pharmacological potential of bromhexine has found application in the development of many pharmaceutical companies. Analogs of the drug are characterized by speed and effectiveness, and often differ in low cost.

Among the most affordable and effective taxes and substitutes:

• Ambroxol is a metabolite of bromhexine, a mucolytic with expectorant action. Included in the list of vital drugs approved by the Government of Russia;
• Lazolvan - a mucolytic based on ambroxol hydrochloride;
• Bronchostop is a substitute. Pastilles and syrup providing a pharmacological effect similar to that of Bromhexine;
• Mucovin is a drug based on bromhexine. Available in forms intended not only for internal administration, but also for injection use;
• Solvin is a drug, a complete analogue of Bromhexine. It is released without a prescription.

Despite the fact that many cough drugs can be freely bought at the pharmacy, their reception is best coordinated with competent specialists. The unauthorized use of antitussive drugs is not always justified and can cause irreparable harm to health.