Hovid Hosolvon Elixir

Hovid Hosolvon Elixir is an oral liquid elixir manufactured by Hovid Berhad, a Malaysian pharmaceutical company. Each 5ml of this aniseed and menthol-flavoured elixir contains Bromhexine Hydrochloride 4mg as the active ingredient, a mucolytic agent formulated as a liquid dosage form for individuals who may find a tablet difficult to swallow.

As an OTC product, this elixir is sold in pharmacies across Malaysia without requiring a doctor’s prescription, and is available in bottle sizes including 60ml and 120ml. It is worth noting that the elixir strength (4mg per 5ml) is lower than the strength found in Hovid’s Hosolvon 8mg tablet, so the two products are dosed differently and should not be assumed to be interchangeable on a like-for-like basis.

Hovid Berhad also manufactures a related product called Hosolvon DM Elixir, which is a separate, prescription-only formulation containing an additional active ingredient. Hovid Hosolvon Elixir (without the ‘DM’ designation) is the plain bromhexine-only formulation and is the OTC product described here; always check the exact product name on the carton to avoid confusing the two.

Shake the bottle gently before use if directed on the label, and measure the dose using the measuring cup or spoon provided with the product.

This elixir may be taken with or without food, as directed on the pack label or by a healthcare professional.

Swallow the measured dose directly; do not dilute it in a large volume of liquid unless advised to do so, as this may affect how the dose is taken.

Do not use this elixir together with other bromhexine-containing products, including Hovid Hosolvon 8mg Tablet, without checking with a pharmacist first, as this can lead to an unintentionally higher total dose.

Adults and children over 10 years: 10ml (containing 8mg of bromhexine) taken 3 times daily, or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.

Children aged 5 to 10 years: 5ml (containing 4mg of bromhexine) taken 3 times daily, or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.

For children under 5 years of age, this product should only be used under the direction of a doctor or pharmacist, who can confirm an appropriate weight-based dose. Do not exceed the recommended frequency, and if symptoms persist for more than 5 days without improvement, stop self-treating and seek medical advice.

Note on dosing bands: the age bands above follow the standard bromhexine oral-liquid dosing convention used across this product category; always confirm the exact figures against the printed package insert supplied with your specific bottle, and consult a pharmacist for any child under 5 years old.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer carton.

Refer to the package insert for guidance on how long the elixir remains suitable for use once opened, and discard the product if you notice any change in colour, smell, or consistency.

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed after use, and store it out of the reach and sight of children.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to bromhexine hydrochloride or any other ingredient in this formulation.
• Active peptic ulcer disease, unless specifically advised by a doctor, as mucolytic agents may affect the gastric mucosal barrier.
• Use with caution in individuals with severe liver or kidney impairment; medical advice should be sought before use.

• Should not be taken together with cough suppressants (antitussives) that suppress the natural cough reflex, as this can cause mucus to build up in the airways.
• Do not use together with other bromhexine-containing products, including Hovid Hosolvon 8mg Tablet, without a pharmacist’s advice, to avoid exceeding the intended total daily dose.
• Some antibiotics may reach higher concentrations in respiratory secretions when taken together with bromhexine — a doctor or pharmacist should still be consulted before combining any medicines.
• No significant food interactions are known; this elixir may be taken with or without food.

• Use the measuring cup or spoon supplied with the product for an accurate dose.
• Check whether your child needs the 5ml or 10ml dosing band based on their age, or ask a pharmacist to confirm.
• Do not combine this elixir with the Hosolvon 8mg Tablet or other bromhexine products without checking with a pharmacist.
• Keep track of how many days you have used this elixir; seek advice if there is no improvement after about 5 days.
• Store the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children.
• Double-check the product name on the carton to confirm it is the plain elixir and not the separate Hosolvon DM Elixir formulation.

Precautions: Confirm the exact product name on the carton, as this plain elixir differs from the separate, prescription-only Hosolvon DM Elixir formulation. Do not combine this elixir with other bromhexine-containing products, including the Hovid Hosolvon 8mg Tablet, without checking with a pharmacist, to avoid exceeding the intended total daily dose. Individuals with active peptic ulcer disease, or significant liver or kidney impairment, should seek medical advice before use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if symptoms persist for more than 5 days without improvement, or if they worsen. Seek emergency care immediately if signs of an allergic reaction occur, such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread skin rash, or if severe blistering or peeling of the skin develops.