Mucolytics for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
acetylcysteine	Mucomyst, Mucosil-10, Mucosil-20
iodinated glycerol	Iophen, Organidin, Par Glycerol, R-Gen

How It Works

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

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

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

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

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

Author:	Lila Havens Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated June 16, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
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