Erdosteine

Erdosteine is a drug that causes a breakdown of mucus, also known as a mucolytic agent. It is a thiol derivative produced for the clinical management of chronic obstructive bronchitis, in addition to infective exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. This drug contains sulfhydryl groups which are released after erdosteine undergoes hepatic first pass metabolism. Three active metabolites result and possess mucolytic activity in addition to free radical scavenging activity. Erdosteine acts to control mucus production and control its viscosity while increasing mucociliary transport. It also combats the effects of free radicals resulting from cigarette smoke. Erdosteine has been shown to be safe and well tolerated in clinical trials. Erdosteine 300mg twice daily reduced cough (both frequency and severity) and sputum viscosity more quickly and more effectively than placebo and reduced the adhesivity of sputum more effectively than ambroxol 30mg twice daily. Co-administration of erdosteine and amoxicillin in patients with acute infective exacerbation of chronic bronchitis resulted in higher concentrations of the antibiotic in the sputum, leading to earlier and more pronounced amelioration of clinical symptoms compared with placebo. Erdosteine is associated with a low incidence of adverse events, most of which are gastrointestinal and generally mild.