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Overview: Bronchitol is an inhaled medicine for cystic fibrosis. It helps clear mucus and improve lung function. The most common side effects are cough and sore throat. Serious side effects are less likely, may include coughing up blood, sudden breathing problems, or allergic reactions. If you have sudden breathing problems after using this medicine, use your rescue inhaler or get help right away.

Uses

What is Bronchitol used for?

Bronchitol (mannitol) is commonly used for cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition where thick mucus builds up in your lungs and other organs. 

Bronchitol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Bronchitol work (mechanism of action)?

In people with cystic fibrosis, thick mucus builds up in the lungs. This makes it hard to breathe and raises the risk of infection. Bronchitol seems to add moisture to mucus. This may help clear mucus from your airways, improve lung function, and make it easier to breathe. 

How is Bronchitol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bronchitol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 40 mg per capsule for oral inhalation

How should I store Bronchitol?

Bronchitol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze or refrigerate Bronchitol. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Bronchitol?

The most common side effects of Bronchitol are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Cough
  • Coughing up blood (see below)
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting
  • Bacteria in the mucus from your lungs
  • Fever
  • Joint pain

There may be other side effects of Bronchitol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Bronchitol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Bronchitol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bronchitol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Bronchitol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing that is worse than usual
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Sudden Breathing Problems. Bronchitol may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm), which can be serious. Your health care provider will give you a short-acting inhaled medicine, such as albuterol, to help prevent and treat bronchospasms. Use it as directed. Stop using Bronchitol and contact your health care provider right away if you have trouble breathing.

Coughing Up Blood. Bronchitol can cause hemoptysis, or coughing up blood from your lungs. Stop using Bronchitol and tell your health care provider right away if you cough up blood or bloody mucus.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Bronchitol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Bronchitol.

  • Bronchitol
  • Mannitol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Bronchitol products they stock.

Failed Tolerance Test. Some people have sudden breathing problems after using Bronchitol. Before your health care provider prescribes Bronchitol, you will likely use a trial dose of this medicine. This is usually done at your health care provider’s office or clinic. It is a way to see how your body responds to the medicine. This is called a tolerance test because it tests whether the medicine is safe for you to use.

What should I know about Bronchitol before using it?

Do not use Bronchitol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Bronchitol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Bronchitol out of the reach of children.

Bronchitol is a dry powder that comes inside a capsule. You will put a capsule into the Bronchitol inhaler and breathe in through the mouthpiece. Follow the Instructions for Use and make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to use Bronchitol properly. Do not swallow the capsules. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Your health care provider will likely give you a fast-acting rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, to help prevent or treat sudden breathing problems. To help open your airways, always use your rescue inhaler 5 to 15 minutes before each dose of Bronchitol.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Bronchitol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Bronchitol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Coughing up blood in the past three months

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Bronchitol could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Bronchitol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Bronchitol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Bronchitol while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Bronchitol?

For more information about Bronchitol, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.bronchitol.com or call them at 888-865-1222.

Interactions

Does Bronchitol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Bronchitol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Bronchitol.

Does Bronchitol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Bronchitol and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Bronchitol?

If you or someone else has used too much Bronchitol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Bronchitol?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, as long as it is still two to three hours before you will be going to bed. If it is almost time for your next dose or you plan to go to bed within 2 hours, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.