Mucolytics for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Examples

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Brand Name	Chemical Name
Mucosil-20	acetylcysteine

Brand Name	Chemical Name
R-Gen	iodinated glycerol

How It Works

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Mucolytics thin mucus to make it less sticky and easier to cough up from the lungs and airways leading to the lungs (bronchial tubes ). They are not commonly used.

Why It Is Used

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In chronic bronchitis, the lungs produce too much mucus. Because chronic bronchitis is often present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mucolytics may provide some relief from symptoms. However, mucolytics are not commonly recommended for COPD treatment.¹

How Well It Works

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Long-term treatment with mucolytics may provide some relief of symptoms for people with COPD. Studies indicate that mucolytics may decrease the risk of having future COPD exacerbations and decrease their severity. However, there is no evidence that mucolytics improve lung volume for people with COPD.²

Side Effects

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Side effects of acetylcysteine include:

• Sudden tightness of the airways (bronchospasm).
• Nausea.
• Fever.
• Drowsiness.

Bronchospasm can be a serious side effect of acetylcysteine. However, a mild stomach upset is the most likely side effect.

Some people who use iodinated glycerol develop a rash. In rare cases, people who use this medication for long periods of time may develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

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Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

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Citations

1. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) (2005). Executive summary (updated 2005). In Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Available online: http://www.goldcopd.com/GuidelinesResources.asp?I1=2&I2=0.

2. Kerstjens H, et al. (2005). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Clinical Evidence (13): 1923-1947.

Credits

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Author	Lila Havens
Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Katy E. Magee, MA
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
Last Updated	June 16, 2006