Bromhexine
Bromhexine hydrochloride
Also known as: Bisolvon · Bromhexinum · Bromhexina
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mucolysis | 3-15 mg/dog | IM | q12h | — | 🌍 EU |
| Mucolysis | 2 mg/kg | PO | q12h | — | 🌍 EU |
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mucolysis | 3 mg/cat | IM | q24h | — | 🌍 EU |
| Mucolysis | 1 mg/kg | PO | q24h | — | 🌍 EU |
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Bromhexine is a bronchial secretolytic and mucolytic agent used in veterinary medicine to aid in the management of respiratory diseases characterized by thick, viscous mucus. Clinical Pearl: It is often used as an adjunct therapy in conditions like tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic respiratory disease to improve airway clearance.
Mechanism of action
Bromhexine acts as a bronchial secretolytic. It disrupts the structure of acid mucopolysaccharide fibres in mucoid sputum → produces a less viscous mucus → makes it easier to expectorate and clear from the respiratory tract. Clinical Pearl: It may also increase the concentration of certain antibiotics in bronchial secretions, enhancing their efficacy in respiratory infections.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Use with caution in patients with gastric ulceration
Adverse effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) possible
Precautions
Normal precautions should be observed.
Clinical Pearl: Use with caution in animals with a history of gastric ulceration, as mucolytics can theoretically break down the protective gastric mucosal barrier.
Drug interactions
May increase antibiotic concentration in bronchial secretions
Monitoring
- Clinical signs of respiratory improvement
- Character and volume of respiratory secretions
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration.
Distribution
Widely distributed, concentrating in respiratory tissues.
Metabolism
Undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism.
Elimination
Excreted primarily via urine as metabolites.
Overdose
Overdose is rarely reported but may result in gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable: 3 mg/ml solution
- Oral: 10 mg/g powder
Veterinary
- Bisolvon 3 mg/ml solution for injection
- Bisolvon 10 mg/g oral powder
Human-labeled
- Bisolvon (various strengths, syrups and tablets)
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved for veterinary use in the US.
POM-V classification.
POM-V classification.
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.
Client information
Bromhexine helps thin the mucus in your pet's airways, making it easier for them to cough it up and clear their lungs.
- Ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water, as hydration helps the medication work better.
- Administer exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Contact your vet if your pet's breathing worsens or if they experience vomiting or diarrhea.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.