The effect of bromhexine on albumin excretion in insulin dependent diabetes

The effect of the mucolytic agent bromhexine, 72 mg daily for one month, on albumin excretion in insulin dependent diabetes was investigated in a double-blind, randomised, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. Nine patients with normal albumin excretion [overnight albumin excretion rate 3.2 (2.1-8.8) micrograms/min.; mean (range)], six with microalbuminuria [36 (22-95) micrograms/min.] and six with macroalbuminuria [321 (201-1215) micrograms/min.] participated. Albumin excretion was similar after treatment with bromhexine and placebo in all 3 groups [normoalbuminurics 3.6 (1.7-13.5) versus 3.3 (1.9-13.2) micrograms/min.; microalbuminurics 40 (20-128) versus 37 (20-103); macroalbuminurics 396 (247-2160) versus 443 (292-2592)]. Excretion of beta 2-microglobulin and creatinine clearance were identical at the end of each treatment. Blood glucose control and blood pressure remained constant throughout the study in the 3 groups. We conclude that bromhexine 72 mg daily for 1 month had no effect on albumin excretion in IDDM patients with normal and pathological albuminuria.