Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Mucolytic agent
- Prescription
- Over the counter
- NAFDAC Status
- Check Registration
- Forms
- Tablet, Syrup
- Price Range
- ₦300 - ₦4,000
What is Bromhexine?
Bromhexine is a mucolytic medication that is widely used across Nigeria to treat productive coughs — coughs that produce thick, sticky mucus (phlegm). It is best known by its popular brand name Bisolvon, which has become a household name in Nigeria, almost synonymous with cough treatment. Bromhexine works by breaking down the chemical structure of mucus in the respiratory tract, making it thinner and less sticky, so it can be coughed up more easily. This helps clear the airways and relieve chest congestion. Walk into any pharmacy or patent medicine store from Surulere in Lagos to Sabon Gari in Kano, and Bisolvon will be prominently displayed among the cough remedies. It is one of the most sought-after over-the-counter medications during the harmattan season and the rainy season, when respiratory infections surge across the country.
Bromhexine was originally derived from vasicine, an alkaloid found in the Indian plant Adhatoda vasica, which has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat respiratory conditions. The synthetic form was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim in the 1960s and has since become one of the most widely used mucolytics globally. In Nigeria, bromhexine is particularly popular because of the high burden of respiratory infections and the environmental factors that cause chronic cough. During harmattan (typically November to March), dry, dusty winds from the Sahara sweep across northern and central Nigeria, causing widespread coughs, throat irritation, and respiratory congestion. The rainy season brings its own wave of upper respiratory tract infections. Bromhexine, especially as Bisolvon, is the go-to remedy for many Nigerian families during these periods.
Bromhexine is available in Nigeria as 8mg tablets and as a syrup (4mg/5ml), making it suitable for both adults and children. Popular brands include Bisolvon (the original brand by Boehringer Ingelheim, considered the gold standard), Emzor Bromhexine (locally manufactured and more affordable), Solvin (from India), and Bromex (by Swiss Pharma Nigeria). Prices range from about N300 for generic tablets to N4,000 for branded Bisolvon products. Bromhexine is available without a prescription and is classified as an over-the-counter medication. However, it is important to understand that bromhexine is specifically for productive (wet) coughs with mucus — it is not effective for dry, tickly coughs. If you have a persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks, you should see a doctor rather than self-medicating, as prolonged cough can be a symptom of tuberculosis, asthma, or other serious conditions that are common in Nigeria.
What is Bromhexine used for?
In Nigeria, Bromhexine is commonly used for:
- Productive cough with thick, sticky mucus — the primary indication; bromhexine thins the mucus so it can be coughed up and cleared from the airways
- Upper and lower respiratory tract infections accompanied by mucus congestion, including bronchitis, tracheitis, and pharyngitis
- Chronic bronchitis — helps manage persistent mucus production in patients with long-standing airway inflammation, particularly common among Nigerians exposed to biomass fuel smoke
- Bronchiectasis — a chronic condition where damaged airways accumulate thick mucus; bromhexine helps make the mucus easier to clear
- Harmattan-related respiratory congestion — the dry, dusty harmattan winds trigger excessive mucus production as the body tries to protect the airways
- As an adjunct to antibiotic therapy in respiratory infections — by thinning mucus, bromhexine may help antibiotics penetrate lung tissue more effectively
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
Tablets: 8mg (one tablet) three times daily. The dose may be reduced to 4mg three times daily once symptoms start to improve. Syrup: 10ml (containing 8mg bromhexine) three times daily. Take with or after food. Treatment duration is typically 5 to 10 days, but should not exceed 14 days without medical advice. If your cough persists beyond 14 days of treatment, consult a doctor.
Children
Children aged 6 to 12 years: 4mg (half a tablet or 5ml of syrup) three times daily. Children aged 2 to 6 years: 2mg (2.5ml of syrup) three times daily. Children under 2 years: Not recommended without medical supervision. Always use the measuring cup or spoon provided with the syrup to ensure accurate dosing. The syrup formulation is preferred for children as it is easier to administer and allows for more precise dosing.
Elderly
Standard adult doses are generally appropriate for elderly patients. However, elderly patients with kidney or liver impairment may require dose reduction. Start with the lower end of the dosage range and monitor for side effects. Ensure adequate fluid intake alongside bromhexine therapy to support mucus clearance.
Bromhexine works best when combined with adequate fluid intake — drinking plenty of water (at least 6 to 8 glasses daily) helps thin the mucus further and supports the drug's mucolytic action. Do not take bromhexine with cough suppressants (antitussives) such as dextromethorphan or codeine, as suppressing the cough reflex while thinning mucus can lead to mucus accumulation in the lungs. Bromhexine is specifically for productive (wet) coughs — if you have a dry cough, it will not be effective. The full benefit of bromhexine may take 2 to 3 days to become apparent.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Nausea — usually mild and can be reduced by taking bromhexine with food
- •Stomach discomfort or mild abdominal pain
- •Diarrhoea — occasional and usually self-limiting
- •Headache — infrequent and typically mild
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — very rare but includes skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing; seek emergency care immediately
- Severe skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis — extremely rare but potentially life-threatening; stop the medication immediately if you develop widespread skin blistering, peeling, or a rash with fever
- Bronchospasm — very rarely, bromhexine may trigger tightening of the airways, particularly in patients with a history of asthma or bronchial hyperreactivity
- Severe gastrointestinal disturbance — persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, or bloody stools warrant immediate medical attention
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your cough does not improve after 7 to 10 days of bromhexine treatment, or if it worsens. Seek urgent medical attention if you cough up blood or blood-streaked mucus, experience difficulty breathing, develop a high fever (above 38.5 degrees Celsius), have persistent chest pain, or notice unintended weight loss alongside your cough. In Nigeria, a persistent cough lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks should always be evaluated for tuberculosis, particularly if accompanied by night sweats, fever, and weight loss. Also see a doctor immediately if you develop any signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Bromhexine if you have:
- Do not use bromhexine if you have a known allergy to bromhexine or any of the excipients in the formulation
- Use with caution in patients with active peptic ulcer disease, as bromhexine may aggravate gastric symptoms
- Use cautiously in patients with severe liver or kidney impairment, as the drug is metabolised by the liver and excreted by the kidneys
- Do not give to children under 2 years of age without direct medical supervision
Drug interactions
- •Cough suppressants (codeine, dextromethorphan, pholcodine) — do not combine with bromhexine, as suppressing the cough while thinning mucus can cause dangerous mucus accumulation in the lungs
- •Antibiotics (amoxicillin, erythromycin, doxycycline) — bromhexine may actually enhance the penetration of these antibiotics into lung tissue, which can be beneficial; inform your doctor if you are taking both
- •Other mucolytics (such as acetylcysteine or carbocisteine) — combining multiple mucolytics is generally not recommended as it may cause excessive mucus thinning
- •Anticoagulants (warfarin) — limited evidence suggests bromhexine may slightly enhance the effect of anticoagulants; monitor if used together
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Bromhexine should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy as a precaution, due to limited safety data. In the second and third trimesters, it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk and under medical guidance. Bromhexine is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. While no adverse effects on breastfed infants have been reported, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using bromhexine while breastfeeding. For coughs during pregnancy, simpler measures such as steam inhalation, warm fluids, and honey may be tried first.
Brands of Bromhexine in Nigeria
4 brands available in Nigeria.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bisolvon | Boehringer Ingelheim | 8mg, 4mg/5ml | Tablet |
| Bromhexine | Emzor Pharmaceutical | 8mg, 4mg/5ml | Tablet |
| Solvin | Ipca Laboratories | 8mg, 4mg/5ml | Syrup |
| Bromex | Swiss Pharma Nigeria | 8mg | Tablet |
How to Verify Your Bromhexine is Genuine
- 1Check for a valid NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all bromhexine products sold in Nigeria must be NAFDAC-registered
- 2Verify the NAFDAC number through the NAFDAC Green Book website (www.greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC verification app available on Android and iOS
- 3Purchase from licensed pharmacies or accredited patent medicine stores — avoid buying cough medicines from unregistered vendors, open markets like Idumota in Lagos or Head Bridge Market in Onitsha, as counterfeit medicines are prevalent in these settings
- 4Inspect the packaging carefully — genuine products have clear, sharp printing with no spelling errors, a visible batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date
- 5For Bisolvon products, look for the Boehringer Ingelheim logo and anti-counterfeiting features on the packaging — compare with images on the manufacturer's website if in doubt
- 6Check that the syrup has the expected colour, consistency, and taste — if it looks or tastes unusual compared to what you have used before, do not use it and report to NAFDAC
Bromhexine Price in Nigeria
Bromhexine prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦300 to ₦4,000 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦300 – ₦4,000
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Bromhexine only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines