Mucolytics

What are Mucolytics?

Mucolytics are medicines that thin mucus, making it less thick and sticky and easier to cough up. They are used to treat respiratory conditions characterized by excessive or thickened mucus, such as a chesty (productive) cough.

Acetylcysteine (also called N-acetyl cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine or NAC) and dornase alfa are mucolytic drugs. Brand names include Mucomyst® and Pulmozyme®. Both types of mucolytics break apart mucus in your lungs. NAC also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

A mucolytic helps you cough up phlegm (also called mucus or sputum). It works by making your phlegm less thick and sticky. This can help if you have a condition that affects your lungs, including: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Drugs that regulate mucus secretion or interfere with the DNA/F-actin network can be described as mucregulatory agents. Among others, they include carbocysteine, anticholinergics, glucocorticoids and macrolide antibiotics. The mechanism of action of these compounds is wide ranging.

The mechanism of action of the mucolytic agent is the disulfide exchange reaction where the disulfide bond of the mucin fiber is cleaved to improve the penetration from the mucus layer. Some of the drug delivery systems also enhance mucosal permeation by altering the mucus property.