Expecto
Expecto Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Expecto is an oral mucolytic agent with a low level of associated toxicity. It acts on the mucus at the formative stages in the glands, within the mucus-secreting cells. Expecto disrupts the structure of acid mucopolysaccharide fibres in mucoid sputum and produces less viscous mucus, which is easier to expectorate
Expecto thins airway secretions, improving breathing and discomfort associated with thick mucus in airways associated with a variety of respiratory conditions.
| Trade Name | Expecto |
| Generic | Bromhexine |
| Bromhexine Other Names | Bromexina, Bromhexina, Bromhexine, Bromhexinum |
| Weight | 4mg/5ml, 100mg/5ml, 2mg/5ml, 7mg/5ml, 1mg/5ml, 60mg/5ml |
| Type | Syrup |
| Formula | C14H20Br2N2 |
| Weight | Average: 376.13 Monoisotopic: 373.999323944 |
| Protein binding | Bromhexine is approximately 95% bound to plasma proteins. |
| Groups | Approved |
| Therapeutic Class | Cough expectorants & mucolytics |
| Manufacturer | Aristopharma Ltd, Medisearch Pharmacal(pvt) Ltd |
| Available Country | Bangladesh, Pakistan |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Expectois used for the treatment of respiratory disorders associated with productive cough. These include; tracheobronchitis, bronchitis with emphysema, bronchiectasis, bronchitis with bronchospasm, chronic inflammatory pulmonary conditions and pneumoconiosis.
Expecto is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Bronchiectasis, Common Cold, Cough, Cough caused by Common Cold, Nasal Congestion, Whooping Cough, Airway secretion clearance therapy
How Expecto works
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.
Dosage
Expecto dosage
ExpectoTablet:
Adults and children over 10 years: 8-16 mg 3 times daily. Children 5-10 years: 4 mg 3 times daily.
ExpectoSyrup:
Adults: The recommended daily dose is 2 to 4 teaspoonful 3 times. Initially 4 teaspoonful 3 times daily and then as required.
Children: Suggested dosage for children under 2 years is 1/4 teaspoonful 3 times daily, for 2-5 years 1/2 teaspoonful 3 times daily and for children aged 5-10 years 1 teaspoonful 3 times daily.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side-effects may occur occasionally with Expecto and a transient rise in serum aminotransferase values has been reported. Other reported adverse effects include headache, dizziness, sweating and skin rash.
Toxicity
The oral LD50 of bromhexine in rats is 6 g/kg. The observed symptoms of accidental overdose with bromhexine are consistent with the known adverse effects of bromhexine, including headache, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms. Provide symptomatic treatment and contact poison control services if an overdose is confirmed or suspected.
Precaution
Since mucolytics may disrupt the gastric mucosa so Expecto should be used with care in patients with a history of peptic ulceration.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Volume of Distribution
After intravenous administration in a pharmacokinetic study, bromhexine was found to be widely distributed. Expecto is known to cross the blood-brain barrier; small concentrations may cross the placenta. The average volume of distribution of bromhexine was 1209 ± 206 L (19 L/kg). Lung tissue concentrations of bromhexine two hours after a dose were 1.5 to 3.2 times higher in bronchial tissues than plasma concentrations. Pulmonary parynchema concentrations were 3.4 to 5.9 times higher when compared to plasma concentrations.
Elimination Route
After oral administration, bromhexine demonstrates linear pharmacokinetics when given in doses of 8-32 mg. Expecto is readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract at a rapid rate. This drug undergoes extensive first-pass effect in the range of 75-80%. The bioavailability is therefore reduced to approximately 22-27%.
Half Life
Following single oral doses ranging from 8 and 32 mg, the terminal half-life of bromhexine has been measured between 6.6 and 31.4 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of bromhexine ranges from 843-1073 mL/min, within the range of the hepatic circulation.
Elimination Route
After a dose of bromhexine was administered during a pharmacokinetic study, approximately 97% of the radiolabeled dose was detected in the urine; under 1% was detected as the parent drug.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category B. Expecto has been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of child bearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.
It is not known whether bromhexine is excreted in breast milk or whether it has a harmful effect on the breastfeeding infant. Therefore it is not recommended for breast feeding mothers unless the potential benefits to the patient are weighed against the possible risk to the infant.
Contraindication
Contraindicated to those who are hypersensitive to Expecto Hydrochloride.
Storage Condition
Store below 25° C. Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Expecto
FAQ
What is Expecto used for?
Expecto is a mucolytic drug used in the treatment of respiratory disorders associated with viscid or excessive mucus. It is used to relieve chest congestion. Expecto is used in a condition where there is a lot of thick phlegm in the airways. As a mucolytic, it helps to relieve productive cough by thinning the phlegm in the airways and facilitating the removal of the mucus.
How safe is Expecto?
Expecto should be used with caution in patients who have a history of gastric ulcers. Expecto improves mucus transport by lowering mucus viscosity and stimulating the ciliated epithelial layer.
How does Expecto work?
Expecto works by blocking a certain natural substance (known as histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
What are the common side effects of Expecto?
Common side effects include bloatedness, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, indigestion, nausea, sweating and skin rashes.
Is Expecto safe during pregnancy?
No evidence of ill-effects during pregnancy, but the use of drugs 1st trimester of pregnancy should be observed.
Is Expecto safe during breastfeeding?
Expecto is expected to enter breast milk and thus should be avoided during lactation.
Can I drink alcohol with Expecto?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
When should be taken of Expecto?
Expecto may be taken with or soon after food.
How do I take Expecto?
Expecto 8mg Tablet should be taken with food. For better results, it is suggested to take it at the same time every day.
How often can I take Expecto?
One tablet to be taken 3 times daily.
How long does Expecto stay in my system?
Expecto has a terminal elimination half-life of up to about 12 hours. Expecto crosses the blood brain barrier and small amounts cross the placenta.
How long can I take Expecto for long time?
Do not use for longer than 14 days without medical advice. Expecto may be taken with or soon after food.
Is Expecto poisonous?
Expecto is an oral mucolytic agent with a low level of associated toxicity.
What is Expecto used to treat?
Expecto is a mucolytic, a medicine used to break up excessive or thick phlegm associated with a chesty cough.
Who should not take Expecto?
You should not take Expecto if you have any of the following conditions: Symptoms of lung infections e.g. breathing difficulty while resting, fever >38°C, blood-stained mucus. Low immune system due to other health conditions e.g. HIV or medications e.g. chemotherapy, immune system medication.
What happen If I missed Expecto?
The missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is already time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Does Expecto cause drowsiness?
Yes. A common side effect of consuming Expecto is drowsiness. You may feel sleepy and sluggish for a few hours after taking the drug.
Can Expecto cause heart attacks?
No. Expecto does not induce heart attacks. However, consult your doctor regarding the drugs you take for hypertension, diabetes, peptic ulcers, and renal issues beforehand.
Does Expecto make me cough more?
Yes. Expecto is known to make you cough more. This is just one way that it relieves you of your cold, chest congestion, or other diseases associated with phlegm production. It breaks down and thins mucus and induces further mucous secretion so that you can cough out the stiff mucus.
Can Expecto cause death?
No. Expecto alone does not cause death. However, consuming other mucolytic drugs along with bromhexine may interfere with mucus production.
Can I take overdose of Expecto?
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Expecto tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body's functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Can Expecto affects my liver?
Because of the increased risk of the patient's condition deteriorating, this drug should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver diseases.
