What is the difference between mucolytic and Mucokinetic?
Mucolytics are drugs that degrade polymers in mucous secretions. Mucokinetics are medications that increase mucociliary efficiency or cough efficiency (Rubin, 2002).
Which drugs are mucolytics?
Some of the more common types of mucolytics include:
- Mucinex (guaifenesin)
- Carbocisteine.
- Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)
- Erdosteine.
- Mecysteine.
- Bromhexine.
- Hyperosmolar saline.
- Mannitol powder.
How long does mucolytic take to work?
It may take up to 4 weeks before you notice your symptoms improving. It can take time for the medicine to work and for phlegm to break up. Keep taking your medicine even if you do not notice any improvement straightaway.
Should I take an expectorant or suppressant?
Some general guidelines if considering taking an over-the-counter cough medicine with a cold or flu are to: 1) take an expectorant with a “wet” cough to help clear secretions from the lungs or 2) use a suppressant when the cough is “dry” cough and is keeping you awake or interfering with your daytime activities.
Is mucinex a mucolytic or expectorant?
So, what does Mucinex do? As mentioned above, the main active ingredient in Mucinex is guaifenesin, which is an expectorant. Expectorants are medications that theoretically thin mucus. They loosen the congestion in your chest and throat and make it easier for you to remove the mucus by coughing.
What are Mucokinetic agents?
Mucokinetics, or mucolytics, are a class of drugs which aid in the clearance of mucus from the airways, lungs, bronchi, and trachea. Examples carbocisteine, ambroxol, and bromhexine. Expectorants are substances claimed to make coughing easier while enhancing the production of mucus and phlegm.
Can I take mucolytic long term?
Mucus (sputum) is made in your lungs. Mucolytics are medicines that make the mucus less thick and sticky and easier to cough up. They are helpful if you have a long-term (chronic) cough because they help you cough up mucus from your lungs.
Which is the most effective mucolytic?
Drugs used for Expectoration
| Drug name | Rating | Rx/OTC |
|---|---|---|
| View information about acetylcysteine acetylcysteine | 8.3 | Rx/OTC |
| Generic name: acetylcysteine systemic Drug class: antidotes, mucolytics For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information |