Statistically significant lower risk is seen for ventilation and ICU admission. 3 studies from 3 independent teams in 2 countries show statistically significant improvements.
Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 43% [-5‑69%] lower risk, without reaching statistical significance. Results are similar for peer-reviewed studies. Early treatment is more effective than late treatment. Currently all studies are RCTs.
2 RCTs with 304 patients have not reported results (up to 3 years late) Granados-Montiel, Mežnar.
Bromhexine efficacy may vary depending on the degree of TMPRSS-dependent fusion for different variants Peacock, Willett.
No treatment or intervention is 100% effective. All practical, effective, and safe means should be used based on risk/benefit analysis. Multiple treatments are typically used in combination, and other treatments may be more effective.
All data to reproduce this paper and sources are in the appendix.
Covid Analysis et al., Mar 2024, preprint, 1 author.