Mucolytic Therapy - Benefits and Uses
Mucolytic Therapy FAQ
What are mucolytics used for?
Mucolytics are a class of drugs used to break up and thin mucus and make it easier to clear from the airways by coughing it up. Mucinex (guaifenesin) is a common example of a mucolytic. Mucus is the gelatinous goo produced by mucous membranes of the lungs. It's common in people who have respiratory conditions.
What is a mucolytic drug?
StatPearls [Internet]. Rishab Gupta; Roopma Wadhwa. Last Update: July 4, 2023. Mucolytics are drugs used to manage mucus hypersecretion and its sequelae like recurrent infections in patients of COPD, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis. They belong to a group of agents called mucoactive agents.
What conditions are treated with mucolytics?
Providers use mucolytics to treat chronic (long-lasting) lung or breathing conditions that create thick mucus. These include: Cystic fibrosis. Bronchiectasis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emphysema. Asthma. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
When are mucolytic agents indicated?
This is when mucolytic agents are indicated. Mucolytics are drugs that help break down mucus so that it becomes thinner and less viscous. This makes it easier for the patient to cough up for removal, which helps make it easier to breathe.
When should mucolytic therapy be used?
Mucolytic therapy should be used when clinically indicated and there should be no blanket switching [3,4]. Any treatment changes should be as part of a clinical review with shared decision-making .
Mucolytic Therapy References
If you want to know more about Mucolytic Therapy, consider exploring links below:
What Is Mucolytic Therapy
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/mucolytics-overview-914793
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24905-mucolytic
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559163/
- https://patient.info/chest-lungs/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-leaflet/mucolytics
- https://www.singlecare.com/drug-classes/mucolytics
- https://www.respiratorytherapyzone.com/mucus-controlling-drugs/
- https://www.cochrane.org/CD001287/AIRWAYS_mucolytic-agents-chronic-bronchitis-or-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0701/p16.html
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ped.2010.0027
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32644589/
Mucolytic Therapy Information
- https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/mucoactive-medications-and-airway-disease-mucolytics-and-expectorants
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275092945_Mucolytic_Therapy_What_When_Where_Why_and_What_Is_the_Evidence
- https://ntag.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NENC-Mucolytics-in-Adults-Consensus-Guide-v1.7.pdf
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