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Bromhexine Hydrochloride Tablets for the Treatment of Moderate COVID-19: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Pilot

Ting Li1,2, Laifang Sun3, Wenwu Zhang4

  • 1Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.

Clinical and Translational Science
|September 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Bromhexine hydrochloride (BRH) tablets show potential benefits for COVID-19 patients, particularly those with lung or liver issues. Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in treating coronavirus disease 2019.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires effective treatment options.
  • Bromhexine hydrochloride (BRH) is a mucolytic agent with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility of a clinical trial for bromhexine hydrochloride (BRH) tablets in COVID-19 patients.
  • To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of BRH as an adjunct treatment for mild or moderate COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • An open-label, randomized controlled pilot study design.
  • 18 patients with moderate COVID-19 were randomized (2:1 ratio) into BRH or control groups.
  • BRH group received 32 mg oral BRH three times daily for 14 days, alongside standard care.

Main Results:

  • The study demonstrated feasibility for a larger trial.
  • Trends suggested potential BRH advantages in chest imaging, oxygen therapy needs, and discharge rates within 20 days.
  • No statistically significant differences were observed between the BRH and control groups.

Conclusions:

  • Bromhexine hydrochloride (BRH) tablets may offer a beneficial effect for COVID-19 patients, especially those with lung or hepatic injury.
  • The pilot study indicates that a definitive, large-scale clinical trial is both feasible and necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.

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