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Bromhexine

Mucolytic / Expectorant
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Increases serous mucus production and stimulates ciliary activity; activates lysosomal enzymes that break down mucopolysaccharide fibers in mucus, reducing viscosity and facilitating expectoration

At a glance

Class
Mucolytic / Expectorant
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Productive cough, bronchitis, respiratory tract mucus
Dose
0.5–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
30 mg/dose; 60 mg/day
Duration: 5–14 days
🐈

Cat

Productive cough, respiratory mucus
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
8 mg/dose; 16 mg/day
Duration: 5–14 days
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
8mg
Available in India
🧴

Oral solution — 1

Strength
4mg/5mL
Available in India
💉

Injectable solution — 1

Strength
3mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Use with caution

  • Gastric ulceration
    May stimulate gastric secretion
  • Concurrent antitussives
    Cough suppression + mucolytics may cause mucus retention

Adverse effects

Common
GI upset
Nausea
Increased bronchial secretions (initially)
Serious
Allergic reactions (rare)

Monitoring parameters

Respiratory statusCough character and frequencyGI tolerance
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

International

Bisolvon
Boehringer Ingelheim
Bromhexine Injection (Vet)
Various

India

Bisolvon
Boehringer Ingelheim India
Solvin
Ipca

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Bromhexine?
Bromhexine is a mucolytic / expectorant used in pets. Increases serous mucus production and stimulates ciliary activity; activates lysosomal enzymes that break down mucopolysaccharide fibers in mucus, reducing viscosity and facilitating expectoration
What is Bromhexine used for in pets?
Bromhexine is used in veterinary medicine for: Productive cough, bronchitis, respiratory tract mucus; Productive cough, respiratory mucus.
What is the Bromhexine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Bromhexine is typically dosed as follows — Productive cough, bronchitis, respiratory tract mucus: 0.5–2 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Bromhexine dose for cats?
For cats, Bromhexine is typically dosed as follows — Productive cough, respiratory mucus: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Bromhexine?
Common: GI upset, Nausea, Increased bronchial secretions (initially). Serious (call your vet immediately): Allergic reactions (rare).
Does Bromhexine need a prescription?
Bromhexine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 1

Levofloxacin +Bromhexine Oral Solution
M/S Venky's India Limited AHP Division, · Approved 03.01.2022
for treatment of sevre respiratory infections of the poultry caused by bacteria including mycoplasmosis infectious loryz
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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