# Bromhexine in Nigeria

Bromhexine has 16 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 15 registration holders; 9 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/bromhexine/
- Drug class: Mucolytic agent (Cough, Cold & Flu)
- Also known as: Bisolvon
- Prescription required: no
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Bromhexine sells for about ₦1,500 online in Nigeria (₦1,250–₦1,750) (Broncholyte) at Supermart.ng. The online price is roughly unchanged since August 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## 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) and Solvin, alongside generic bromhexine tablets and syrup. 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?

- 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

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- 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: 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 (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

Do not take if: 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.

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 in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Bisolvon (Boehringer Ingelheim, made in Germany); Solvin (Ipca Laboratories, made in India); Bromex (Reals Pharmaceutical, made in India); Broncholyte (Sygen Pharmaceuticals Limited, made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/bromhexine/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check for a valid NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all bromhexine products sold in Nigeria must be NAFDAC-registered
2. Verify the NAFDAC number through the NAFDAC Green Book website (www.greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC verification app available on Android and iOS
3. Purchase 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
4. Inspect the packaging carefully — genuine products have clear, sharp printing with no spelling errors, a visible batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date
5. For 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
6. Check 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

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### What is the difference between a dry cough and a productive cough, and which one should I use Bisolvon for?

A dry cough is a cough that produces no mucus or phlegm — it often feels tickly, scratchy, or irritating in the throat. A productive (wet) cough is one where you cough up mucus or phlegm from the chest. Bromhexine (Bisolvon) is specifically designed for productive coughs — it works by breaking down thick, sticky mucus so it can be coughed up more easily. If you have a dry cough, bromhexine will not help because there is no mucus to thin. For dry coughs, a cough suppressant (antitussive) may be more appropriate. If you are unsure which type of cough you have, consult your pharmacist. In Nigeria, many people buy Bisolvon for any type of cough, but using it for a dry cough is a waste of money and will not provide relief.

### Is Bisolvon safe for children?

Bisolvon (bromhexine) is generally safe for children when used at the correct dose for their age group. The syrup formulation (4mg/5ml) is specifically designed for easier dosing in children. Children aged 6 to 12 years can take 5ml (4mg) three times daily, while children aged 2 to 6 years should take 2.5ml (2mg) three times daily. It is not recommended for children under 2 years without a doctor's guidance. Always use the measuring device provided with the syrup — household spoons are inaccurate and can lead to over- or under-dosing. If your child's cough persists for more than a week, is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or wheezing, take the child to a hospital or health centre rather than continuing to self-medicate with cough syrup.

### How does Bisolvon compare to other cough syrups available in Nigeria?

Nigeria has a wide variety of cough syrups, and they work in different ways. Bisolvon (bromhexine) is a mucolytic — it thins thick mucus to help clear the airways. Other mucolytics include carbocisteine (Mucodyne) and acetylcysteine (Fluimucil). Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan (found in Benylin Dry Cough) work by reducing the cough reflex and are better for dry coughs. Expectorants like guaifenesin (found in some cough mixtures) help bring up mucus but work differently from mucolytics. Some Nigerian cough syrups combine multiple ingredients. Bisolvon is preferred by many Nigerian doctors and pharmacists for productive coughs because it has a well-established safety profile, is effective, and is available in both tablet and syrup form. It does not cause drowsiness, unlike some antihistamine-containing cough syrups.

### Can I take Bisolvon during harmattan season to prevent cough?

Bromhexine (Bisolvon) is a treatment medication, not a preventive one. It should be taken when you already have a productive cough with thick mucus, not as a preventive measure during harmattan. To protect yourself during harmattan season, which brings dry, dusty winds that irritate the respiratory tract, take these preventive steps: drink plenty of warm fluids to keep your airways moist, use a face mask or cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when outdoors, keep your home humidified (placing a bowl of water in your room can help), avoid exposure to additional irritants like generator fumes and cigarette smoke, and ensure your living space is well-sealed against dust. If you develop a cough despite these measures, then bromhexine can be used. If cough persists beyond two weeks or is accompanied by breathing difficulty, see a doctor.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)