Bromhexine

DB09019ApprovedInvestigationalSmall moleculeExpectorants

Bromhexine is a mucolytic drug used to decrease the viscosity of mucus in the airway, enhancing mucus clearance. Bromhexine is mucolytic agent used for a variety of respiratory conditions associated with increased mucus secretion.

Mechanism: Inflammation of the airways, increased mucus secretion, and altered mucociliary clearance are the hallmarks of various diseases of the respiratory tract. Mucus clearance is necessary for lung health; bromhexine aids in mucus clearance by reducing the viscosity of mucus and activating the ciliary epithelium, allowing secretions to be expelled from the respiratory tract.
Recent have studies have demonstrated that bromhexine inhibits the transmembrane serine protease 2 receptor (TMPRSS2) in humans. Activation of TMPRSS2 plays an important role in viral respiratory diseases such as influenza A and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Inhibition of receptor activation and viral entry by bromhexine may be effective in preventing or treating various respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. In vitro studies have suggested the action of ambroxol (a metabolite of bromhexine) on the angiogensin-converting enzyme receptor 2 (ACE2), prevents entry of the viral envelope-anchored spike glycoprotein of SARS-Cov-2 into alveolar cells or increases the secretion of surfactant, preventing viral entry.[A233365,A233370]
Curator reviewed · 4 references
Primary indication: Bromohexine is used alone or with other ingredients such as diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin to reduce mucus viscosity and clear mucus in conditions associated with mucus hypersecretion, including the common cold, influenza, respiratory tract infections,...Curator reviewed · 27 structured indications
Formula / weight: C₁₄H₂₀Br₂N₂ · 376.13 g/mol (avg)
Code names: NA 274