Mucolytic agent

A mucolytic agent is any agent which dissolves thick mucus usually used to help relieve respiratory difficulties. (hydrolyzing glycosaminoglycans: tending to break down/lower the viscosity of mucin-containing body secretions/components). The viscosity of mucous secretions in the lungs is dependent upon the concentrations of mucoprotein, the presence of disulfide bonds between these macromolecules and DNA.

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Sensitivity Test

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

How to quickly check pipettes?

Mucolytics: N-acetylcysteine: an aerosolized mucolytic agent often used as adjunctive therapy for pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) in combination with vigorous chest physiotherapy. N-acetylcysteine acts to split the sulfide bonds in the macromolecules thereby decreasing viscosity, allowing for removal by normal chest physiology. The action of N-acetylcysteine is pH dependent. Mucolytic action is significant at ranges of pH 7-9.(1)

Natural Mucolytics:

• Mugwort
• Bromelain
• Papain
• Clerodendrum

Non-Mucolytics:

• Guaifenesin: increases volume and decreases viscosity of respiratory tract secretions. (Robitussin)

EXPECTORANTS should not be confused with a mucolytic. Expectorants increase mucous production.