Antitus Syrup: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing or worsening of breathing after taking the medicine
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest
- Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- Severe headache with visual changes
- Muscle weakness or cramps that are severe
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is buscoril syrup used for?
This medicine is a combination syrup containing bromhexine and salbutamol. It is used to treat productive cough with thick mucus and mild bronchospasm. Bromhexine thins the mucus, while salbutamol opens the airways. It should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
- Generic Name: Bromhexine + Salbutamol
- Manufacturer: Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 buscoril syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा ब्रोमहेक्सिन और सालबुटामोल का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग बलगम वाली खांसी और सांस की नली में होने वाली हल्की सिकुड़न के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। ब्रोमहेक्सिन बलगम को पतला करता है जिससे उसे खांसकर बाहर निकालना आसान हो जाता है, और सालबुटामोल सांस की नलियों को फैलाकर सांस लेने में राहत देता है। यह दवा तीव्र या दीर्घकालिक ब्रोंकाइटिस में उपयोगी हो सकती है। इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार ही लें और बिना पूछे लंबे समय तक न लें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में जी मिचलाना, सिरदर्द, हाथों में कंपन, और दिल की धड़कन तेज होना शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को चक्कर आना या बेचैनी भी महसूस हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर सांस लेने में तकलीफ, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, तेज धड़कन, या सीने में दर्द हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। मात्रा से ज्यादा न लें। दवा लेने से पहले बोतल को अच्छी तरह हिलाएं और मापने वाले कप से सही मात्रा लें। अगर आपको दिल की बीमारी, उच्च रक्तचाप, मधुमेह, या थायरॉइड की समस्या है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। इस दवा के साथ शराब न लें। गाड़ी चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें जब तक आपको पता न चल जाए कि यह दवा आप पर कैसा असर करती है। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के इसका इस्तेमाल न करें।
💊 buscoril syrup Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Productive cough with thick mucus","description":"Helps loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough out.","evidence":"Well-established for bromhexine component"},{"condition":"Acute bronchitis with bronchospasm","description":"Provides relief from cough and mild airway narrowing by combining mucolytic and bronchodilator effects.","evidence":"Commonly used; evidence for combination is moderate"},{"condition":"Chronic bronchitis with thick secretions","description":"Used to improve mucus clearance and ease breathing in chronic bronchitis.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Asthma with mucus plugging (adjunct)","description":"May be used as an add-on to standard asthma therapy when thick mucus is a prominent feature.","evidence":"Limited; not a replacement for inhaled therapy"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Smoker's cough","description":"Sometimes used to help clear thick secretions in chronic smokers.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Post-operative mucus clearance","description":"Occasionally used to help patients clear secretions after surgery, but only under medical supervision.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Productive cough with bronchospasm
Also treats: Acute bronchitis, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma with mucus plugging (adjunct)
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Bromhexine + Salbutamol |
| Brand Name | Asmatide BR 8 mg/4 mg/200 mg Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | Mucolytic + Bronchodilator |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture, or as printed on the packaging. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. The World Health Organization does not have specific guidelines for this fixed-dose combination. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. The Indian Council of Medical Research does not have specific guidelines for this fixed-dose combination. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary actions. Bromhexine is a mucolytic agent that reduces the viscosity of mucus by breaking down acidic mucopolysaccharide fibers in bronchial secretions. This makes the mucus thinner and easier to expel through coughing. Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that selectively stimulates beta-2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle. This stimulation increases cyclic AMP levels, leading to relaxation of the airway smooth muscles and widening of the bronchi. The combined effect is improved mucus clearance and easier breathing. Salbutamol also has mild effects on mucociliary clearance, which may further help in removing secretions.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take buscoril syrup
Strength: Each 5 mL of this syrup contains bromhexine hydrochloride 4 mg and salbutamol sulfate 2 mg, or as specified on the product label.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 5 to 10 mL taken three to four times a day, or as directed by your doctor. The exact dose depends on the severity of your symptoms, your age, and your kidney and liver function. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of salbutamol, especially increased heart rate and tremor. Start with a lower dose and monitor closely. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal and hepatic function. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with severe kidney impairment, dose reduction may be necessary because both bromhexine and salbutamol are excreted by the kidneys. Consult your doctor for dose adjustment. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with severe liver impairment, dose reduction may be necessary because bromhexine is extensively metabolized in the liver. Consult your doctor for dose adjustment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 40 mL of this syrup in divided doses, but this must be confirmed by your doctor. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of buscoril syrup
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Propranolol | Major | |
| MAOIs | Major | |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Major | |
| Furosemide | Moderate | |
| Corticosteroids | Moderate | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Cough suppressants | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, thiazides)
- Corticosteroids
- Digoxin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and rapid heart rate when taken with this medicine. It is best to avoid alcohol while using this medicine, especially if you need to drive or operate machinery.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity or allergy to bromhexine, salbutamol, or any component of the formulation","Severe cardiovascular disease including severe heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmias, or recent heart attack","Uncontrolled hypertension","Severe liver or kidney impairment (relative contraindication; use with caution)","Thyrotoxicosis","Diabetes mellitus (relative; monitor blood sugar)","Pregnancy (use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine should be used with caution in patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat.","Salbutamol can cause tremors and nervousness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Do not exceed the recommended dose; higher doses increase the risk of side effects.","If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely as salbutamol may increase blood glucose levels.","If you have a thyroid disorder, use this medicine only under medical supervision.","Do not use this medicine for prolonged periods without medical review.","Keep out of reach of children.","Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially for heart conditions, depression, or asthma."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether bromhexine passes into breast milk in significant amounts. Salbutamol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when used as prescribed. However, because this is a combination product, consult your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine may cause severe tachycardia, tremor, restlessness, chest pain, and hypokalemia. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, including monitoring of vital signs, electrolytes, and cardiac rhythm. There is no specific antidote. Do not try to vomit unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dose or take it more often than advised. Shake the bottle well before each use and measure the dose with the measuring cup or spoon provided. This medicine may cause dizziness or tremors; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or liver or kidney disease. Do not take this medicine with other cough, cold, or asthma medicines without asking your doctor, as ingredients may overlap. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine because it can worsen dizziness and heart-related effects. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and store it as directed on the label.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more likely to experience side effects such as increased heart rate, tremor, and dizziness. They may also have reduced kidney or liver function, which can affect drug clearance. Use with caution and monitor closely. Dose adjustment may be needed.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The safety of this combination in pregnancy has not been well established. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks and may recommend alternative treatments.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, this medicine may be used to help clear secretions if you have a productive cough, but only under medical supervision. It is important to inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about all medicines you are taking before any surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. Salbutamol can cause dry mouth and increased heart rate, which may affect your comfort during dental work. Your dentist may take precautions accordingly.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise while you are unwell with a productive cough and bronchospasm. Gentle walking and breathing exercises may be helpful, but stop if you feel breathless, dizzy, or experience chest pain. Consult your doctor before resuming intense exercise.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness, tremors, or increased heart rate, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. It is advisable to take rest and avoid strenuous work while you are recovering from a respiratory infection.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, if they worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, severe dizziness, or allergic reactions. Do not stop suddenly if you have been taking it for a long time without your doctor's advice.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine without medical supervision is not recommended. Prolonged use of salbutamol can lead to tolerance, increased heart rate, and electrolyte imbalances such as low potassium. Bromhexine is generally well tolerated, but long-term effects are not well studied. Regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and potassium levels may be needed if used for extended periods. Always consult your doctor before using this medicine for more than a few days.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Helps loosen mucus and ease breathing naturally.
Evidence: Well-established for symptom reliefCan help clear nasal congestion and post-nasal drip.
Evidence: ModerateSoothes the throat and may reduce cough frequency.
Evidence: Limited but widely used💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are unwell with a fever or severe respiratory infection, it is better to postpone vaccination until you recover. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription in case you need to show it at customs or security. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you are crossing time zones, continue taking the medicine at the same intervals as prescribed, but adjust the timing gradually to fit your new schedule. Do not leave the medicine in a hot car or checked luggage, as extreme temperatures can affect its stability.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The bronchodilator effect of salbutamol usually starts within 15 to 30 minutes, while the mucolytic effect of bromhexine may take a few hours to become noticeable.
A: Yes, you can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children.
A: Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. The safety of this combination in pregnancy has not been well studied.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for buscoril syrup
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
kufrest syrupIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹10.93 4.6% CHEAPER
-
salburil syrupCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹14.68 28.1% COSTLIER
-
Salbuwox SyrupWockhardt Ltd ₹15.89 38.7% COSTLIER
-
salpallin syrupLincoln Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹18.76 63.7% COSTLIER
-
Spasmonyl SyrupBio Drugs Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹23.12 101.7% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure any type of cough.
Fact: This medicine is only for productive cough with thick mucus and mild bronchospasm. It is not effective for dry cough or cough due to other causes. - Myth: More syrup means faster relief.
Fact: Taking more than the prescribed dose does not speed up recovery and can increase the risk of side effects such as rapid heartbeat and tremors. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take with any other medicine.
Fact: This medicine can interact with several drugs, including beta-blockers and antidepressants. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Bromhexine + Salbutamol syrup (generic versions available)
Brand Alternatives
- Antitus Syrup (this medicine)