Lisomucin

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Lisomucin

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Lisomucin

Property Description
Active Ingredient Bromhexine hydrochloride
Primary Forms Oral Solution (syrup, drops), Tablets
Pharmacological Class Mucolytic and Secretolytic Agent
Common Purpose Facilitating the clearance of mucus
Origin Synthetic derivative of vasicine

Lisomucin is defined as a pharmaceutical preparation whose active ingredient is Bromhexine hydrochloride, a synthetic compound derived structurally from the natural plant alkaloid vasicine. It is classified as a secretolytic and mucolytic agent within the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system under the code R05CB02. This classification confirms its targeted role in managing respiratory secretions, distinguishing it from general cough suppressants.

Bromhexine's designation as a mucolytic agent is clinically recognized for its established mechanism in altering the physical properties of mucus. The drug is supplied for oral administration, primarily in liquid and tablet forms, making it suitable for a broad patient group. Its chemical formula is C₁₄H₂₁Br₂ClN₂. The structural and pharmacological identity establishes Lisomucin as a single-ingredient product focused on modifying the physical consistency of mucus.

General Therapeutic Purpose and Action

The fundamental purpose of Lisomucin is to serve as an expectorant by facilitating the clearance of thick, viscous mucus from the airways. The agent is used to improve sputum properties, making it an established component of supportive therapy for conditions involving abnormal mucus production. This means the drug works by making the phlegm less sticky and easier to move out of the airways. The drug's benefit is centered on promoting the mobilization of stagnant secretions, which helps alleviate associated chest congestion and supports a more effective, productive cough reflex.

What side effects are possible with Lisomucin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Official regulatory documentation structures the safety profile of Lisomucin (Bromhexine hydrochloride) by classifying adverse reactions primarily by frequency and the body system affected.

Adverse Reactions and Frequency Classification

Adverse effects listed in product labels are categorized according to standard regulatory frequency scales:

  • Uncommon (occurring in less than 1 in 100 people): Reactions primarily involving the Gastrointestinal system, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and upper abdominal pain.
  • Rare (occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people): Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, including rash and urticaria.
  • Not known: Certain clinically significant reactions are documented post-marketing but lack reliable frequency data. These include pruritus (itching), angioedema, and systemic reactions affecting the Nervous system, such as headache and dizziness.

Serious Safety Considerations

The most serious documented reactions affect the Immune system and Skin. These include Anaphylactic reaction (including anaphylactic shock) and Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). These severe reactions are officially classified as having a Not known frequency.

Regulatory Safety Constraints

Specific cautions are noted in the regulatory label concerning patients with pre-existing health conditions. These include caution regarding use in individuals with severe hepatic impairment (severe liver disease) or severe renal impairment (severe kidney failure), as reduced drug clearance may occur. Caution is also advised for patients with a history of gastric or peptic ulceration. Furthermore, co-administration with antitussives (cough suppressants) is generally discouraged due to the potential risk of accumulated respiratory secretions.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Official regulatory documentation states that no specific overdose symptoms unique to Lisomucin (bromhexine hydrochloride) have been reported in humans. Manifestations that may occur following accidental overdose or medication error are consistent with the drug’s known adverse reaction profile. These commonly involve the gastrointestinal system, presenting as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and upper abdominal pain. Other documented effects include headache and dizziness.

Despite the non-specific nature of minor overdose symptoms, the regulatory profile highlights the risk of severe adverse reactions. These potential serious outcomes include severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. These outcomes necessitate immediate intervention.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

It is a regulatory requirement to seek immediate medical help or advice if an excessive dose is taken, and to contact the Poisons Information Centre. Furthermore, treatment must be discontinued immediately if there are any signs of a progressive skin rash, blistering, or mucosal lesions, as these are related to the severe adverse reactions documented in the drug's safety profile.

Official guidelines state that management of an overdose involves symptomatic treatment. The documents also explicitly confirm that no specific antidote is known for Lisomucin.

Therapeutic Uses of Lisomucin

Therapeutic Scope and Benefits

Lisomucin is classified as a secretolytic and mucolytic agent, utilized in therapeutic areas where symptomatic support for the respiratory system is required. It is commonly used to help manage acute respiratory episodes and symptomatic patterns characterized by viscous phlegm and resulting mucus-related chest congestion.

The application is relevant in conditions such as acute bronchitis, the common cold, influenza, and exacerbations of chronic conditions like COPD or bronchiectasis, where difficulty in expectoration creates physiological strain. The therapeutic action assists with the clearance of respiratory secretions, which contributes to easing the symptom burden of an unproductive cough and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases. This approach is used as adjunctive therapy within broader management plans for respiratory infections where supportive care for thick secretions is appropriate.


Quick Fact: Relief for Mucus-Related Chest Congestion Lisomucin provides supportive relief for symptoms related to physical discomfort associated with thick secretions. This assists with maintaining functional stability when symptoms interfere with routine activities and helps manage the manifestations that create noticeable physiological strain.

Regulatory References

  1. EMA therapeutic overview on ambroxol and bromhexine

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Rules for Lisomucin

Lisomucin (Bromhexine hydrochloride) eligibility is defined by regulatory authorities based on population group, age, and pre-existing medical conditions. The medicine is generally approved for adults and children over 12 years of age, with use in children 6 to 12 years also permitted at regulated dosages. Use is typically not recommended for children under 6 years.

Absolute Contraindications

Regulatory labels state that Lisomucin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the formulation's excipients. In certain jurisdictions, the medicine is also contraindicated in individuals with an active gastroduodenal ulcer.

Restricted and Conditional Use

Use requires caution in patients with a history of gastric ulceration or peptic ulcer diseases. Caution is also specified for patients with severe hepatic impairment (liver disease) or severe renal impairment (kidney failure). Furthermore, use is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy or for breastfeeding mothers, as excretion into breast milk is documented.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Regulatory documentation for Lisomucin (Bromhexine hydrochloride) defines a limited interaction profile, noting that no clinically relevant unfavorable interactions have generally been reported. Interaction information is categorized based on pharmacodynamic conflict and pharmacokinetic consequences as stated in official product labels.

Documented Interaction Patterns

Interacting Substance Class Official Regulatory Statement
Antitussive Agents Co-administration with cough suppressants is officially cautioned against due to the risk of mucus accumulation in the bronchial tract, which counters the mucolytic effect.
Specific Antibiotics Lisomucin may increase the concentration of certain antibiotics, including Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, and Oxytetracycline, in bronchopulmonary secretions.

Population-Specific Clearance

Official prescribing information notes that the clearance of Lisomucin or its metabolites may be reduced in individuals with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment. This reduced clearance impacts systemic drug exposure.

Other Substances

No significant interactions with food, alcohol, or other medicines not specified above are documented in official regulatory materials. No mandatory timing-separation rules are documented for co-administered substances.

Mechanism of Action

Chemical Breakdown of Mucus (Mucolysis)

This domain covers the drug’s direct chemical action as it targets and breaks the disulfide bonds linking large glycoprotein chains in respiratory mucus. This molecular mechanism fundamentally reduces the mucus's viscosity and elasticity, which is the core physiological change enabling the material to be mobilized from the respiratory tract.


Enhanced Airway Fluid and Ciliary Function

This mechanistic domain involves the drug acting as an inducer to stimulate two vital components of the mucociliary transport system: the mucosal glands and the cilia. By increasing the secretion of thin, watery fluid and enhancing the ciliary beat frequency, the mechanism promotes an increase in the fluid environment volume and motor activity, which results in the acceleration of the secretion transport rate.


Modulation of Terminal Airway Stability

The drug engages the pulmonary surfactant system by promoting the release of surfactant from Type II alveolar cells. This action is a key regulatory mechanism that helps maintain low surface tension in the small air sacs, which is necessary for the structural stability of the terminal airways and influences the deep-lung transport process. The overall physiological effect is a change toward more fluid and mobile airway contents.

Dosage and Administration Information

Lisomucin (Bromhexine hydrochloride) is utilized according to established protocols, which govern the methods and limits of its use. The medicine is primarily available in forms suited for the Oral route, such as tablets and oral solutions (syrups/drops). Specific formulations are also available for use via Inhalation with a nebulizer, which requires the dose to be diluted with saline solution before administration.


Dosing and Frequency Schedule

The typical adult dosing regimen is 8 mg taken three times daily (t.i.d.). Established guidelines include a higher dose of 16 mg three times daily for the initial seven days of treatment, with the total daily dose not to exceed 48 mg. Administration is generally tied to symptomatic need and is intended for short-term use, limited to seven consecutive days unless otherwise directed by a physician.


Administration Conditions and Procedures

Lisomucin can be taken with or without food. For liquid forms, the container must be shaken well and the dose measured precisely using the dosing device provided. If a dose is missed, it should be taken when remembered, but not doubled to catch up if the next scheduled dose is near. Standard instructions also establish specific, lower dose regimens for pediatric patients, with administration to children under two years of age designated as requiring medical supervision only.

Recent Clinical Evidence

This section provides an overview of the types of studies that have examined how Lisomucin was studied for effects on the physical consistency of mucus. Research in this area is focused on understanding how Lisomucin was studied for effects on the physical consistency of mucus and related symptoms.

Evidence for Use in Acute Respiratory Episodes

The research base includes short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Meta-analyses used in research exploring how symptoms change over time. Studies monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort, such as chest congestion, alongside objective measurements of mucus viscosity and volume. Findings regarding the speed of change in outcomes related to physical discomfort were mixed across the various trials, meaning the research provides context but not individual predictions of outcome.

Evidence for Use in Exacerbations of Chronic Conditions

Lisomucin was studied for use as supportive adjunctive therapy for conditions presenting with cycles of stability and flare-ups, such as COPD and Bronchiectasis. Studies explored whether there were recorded changes in secretions and monitored outcomes such as difficulty in expectoration and the reported frequency of acute exacerbations. Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, but results varied across different chronic conditions.

Research Focus and Long-Term Data

Across indications, research examined the difference between receiving Lisomucin and receiving an inactive substance (placebo) or other mucolytic agents. While findings indicate that some trials described patterns observed in sputum properties, most definitive clinical trials have limited follow-up durations. Currently, long-term effects are not fully established or well characterized by randomized clinical data, meaning there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Evidence in Specific Patient Populations

Studies observed the use of liquid forms in research contexts involving Pediatric populations. For other specific groups, such as Older Adults and Comorbidity Groups, specific data exploring how the use of the drug was observed in these patients are not fully established. Subgroup findings are uncertain, as results apply only to the populations studied in the primary research.

What is Still Uncertain About Lisomucin Research

Several areas require further examination. Results from different symptomatic outcomes were mixed, indicating that evidence quality varies across studies. Additionally, research needs to provide more detail on how the drug’s use was observed in individuals based on factors like age and disease severity. Research examining head-to-head trials against comparable therapies for various indications is not fully characterized in the current research landscape.

Key Studies & References World Health Organization (WHO) ATC Classification System: Bromhexine (R05CB02)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lisomucin (FAQ)

Q: What is Lisomucin used for?

Lisomucin is primarily used to treat symptoms of acute or chronic respiratory diseases associated with abnormal mucus secretion and transport. It acts as a mucolytic, helping to thin and loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways.


Q: How should I take Lisomucin?

Lisomucin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dosage and form (e.g., tablet, syrup) will depend on your age, condition, and the severity of your symptoms. Generally, it is taken orally with a glass of water, and can be taken with or without food.

  • Do not exceed the recommended dose.
  • If you are using the syrup form, use the measuring device provided to ensure the correct dose.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Q: What are the common side effects of Lisomucin?

The most common side effects are generally mild and temporary. They may include:

  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach or abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

If you experience any severe reactions, such as an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing), stop taking the medicine immediately and seek emergency medical attention.


Q: Can children take Lisomucin?

Lisomucin can be given to children, but the dosage must be carefully adjusted based on the child’s age and weight. Always consult a pediatrician before giving Lisomucin to a child. The syrup formulation is often preferred for pediatric use.


Q: Can I take Lisomucin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before taking Lisomucin. Limited data is available on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against any potential risks to the baby or infant.


Q: Does Lisomucin interact with other medicines?

Lisomucin is generally safe, but it may interact with certain other medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements you are currently taking. Specifically, caution is advised when taking Lisomucin with:

  • Certain cough suppressants: Since Lisomucin helps produce and thin mucus, taking it with a cough suppressant that blocks the cough reflex may lead to a buildup of secretions in the airways.
  • Antibiotics: In some cases, Lisomucin may increase the concentration of certain antibiotics in the bronchial secretions, which may be beneficial for treatment. However, your doctor will determine if adjustment is necessary.

How should Lisomucin be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Instructions for Lisomucin

Lisomucin (bromhexine hydrochloride) must be stored and disposed of according to specific regulatory requirements to ensure its stability and safety.


Storage Requirements

Storage Condition Requirement
Temperature Store below 25°C; the product must not be frozen.
Protection Keep in the original container, tightly closed, and protected from light and moisture.
Child Safety Must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Stability and Disposal

The oral solution is stable for 12 months after the bottle is first opened. Unused or expired Lisomucin must not be disposed of in wastewater (e.g., flushed down the toilet). Disposal must follow local regulations, utilizing a drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the medicine should be mixed with an undesirable substance and sealed before discarding in the household trash.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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