Paris – October 14, 2026 -- The share of patients reporting sleep difficulties fell by 59%, 56% and 55% within 48 hours of starting Mucosolvan or Bisolvon, according to a new real-world study from Opella on acute chesty cough.
Sleep complaints drop across three categories within 48 hours
The percentage of patients reporting difficulty falling asleep fell by 59%. Those reporting difficulty staying asleep fell by 56%, and those reporting sleep-related tiredness by 55%. Opella describes sleep disruption as a primary patient concern.
Social impact of cough improves meaningfully within 72 hours
Patients achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in the social impact of cough within 72 hours. Data also showed improvements in daily functioning from the first day of treatment.
First-dose relief reported by 53% of bromhexine users and 41% of ambroxol users
After first intake, 53% of bromhexine users and 41% of ambroxol users agreed or strongly agreed they felt immediately relieved. Relief from the urge to cough was reported by 57% and 44% of users, respectively. Bisolvon contains bromhexine and Mucosolvan contains ambroxol.
Seven-day Italian study tracked adult purchasers of both brands
The RWE Cough Study was prospective and observational. It enrolled adults in Italy who had bought Mucosolvan or Bisolvon for an acute chesty cough. Over seven days, it assessed daily effectiveness and quality-of-life impact using the Cough Severity Diary and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire.
Pharmacy counter remains the decision point for cough and cold products
Opella cites its I&P Tracker 2025 data showing that 58% of consumers in Germany make cough and cold treatment decisions in-store. The company says this makes the pharmacist's recommendation pivotal. Milena Leone, Global Brand General Manager at Opella, said the study shows the brands go "beyond managing the physical symptom" by delivering relief from the first dose.