Bisolvon is a mucolytic with two main pharmacological actions. Firstly it stimulates an increase in the secretion of fluid by the mucus glands of the respiratory tract. Secondly it breaks down the network of acid glycoprotein fibres found in mucoid sputum, which are mainly responsible for the characteristic viscosity. Bisolvon has been shown to increase mucociliary clearance in calves suffering from respiratory disease.
When Bisolvon is administered simultaneously with oxytetracycline in cattle and pigs, the levels of the antibiotic in the bronchial mucus are increased (by more than 40%). The clinical significance of this action is uncertain.