Bromhexine treatment of Sjögren's syndrome: effect on lacrimal and salivary secretion, and on proteins in tear fluid and saliva.

In a randomized clinical study, 32 patients with Sögren's syndrome (SS were given placebo/bromhexine (Bisolvon) 48 mg daily for 3 weeks. Various ophthalmological and oral variables as well as different proteins in the tear fluid and saliva were registered. Bromhexine stimulated the tear secretion significantly, presumable without changing the protein composition of the tear fluid. In contrast to other proteins in saliva the IgM concentration decreased in patients with high pre-treatment values. Bromhexine may be of valuable help in the treatment of some patients with SS.