brown mixture

Brown Mixture (棕铵合剂) is a traditional multi-ingredient oral pharmaceutical preparation used primarily as an expectorant and antitussive for the symptomatic relief of cough and to promote sputum expulsion. Its typical formulation includes ammonium chloride (expectorant), glycyrrhiza extract (licorice; expectorant and demulcent), camphor tincture (stimulant/expectorant), opium tincture or morphine (cough suppressant/analgesic), potassium antimony tartrate (expectorant/emetic at higher doses), spirit of ethylnitrite, and guaiacol or guaifenesin/glyceryl guaiacolate (expectorants). The mechanism of action is multifactorial: - Ammonium chloride increases respiratory tract fluid secretion to thin mucus. - Glycyrrhiza extract soothes mucous membranes and has mild anti-inflammatory effects. - Camphor acts as a mild stimulant/expectorant. - Opium/morphine suppresses the cough reflex via central nervous system depression. - Potassium antimony tartrate stimulates bronchial secretions but can be toxic in excess. The product may contain ethanol as a solvent/preservative. It is not recommended for use in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women due to its opioid content and potential toxicity. Brown Mixture is considered obsolete in many countries due to safety concerns but remains available in some regions.

Other names

棕铵合剂compound glycyrrhiza mixtureliquid brown mixture複方甘草合劑