Antitussives and Mucolytics

Antitussives
This medication is used for the temporary relief of coughs caused by certain respiratory
tract infections (e.g., common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis) and other breathing illnesses. This
product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems
(e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor.
Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and
loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.
Do not use this medication in children younger than 4 years unless specifically directed
by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all of the doctor's
dosage directions. Do not give other cough and cold medication that might contain the same or
similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about
other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier
or infant nasal suction bulb).

Mucolytics

A mucolytic agent or expectorant is any agent which dissolves thick mucus and is
usually used to help relieve respiratory difficulties. It does so by 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.
An expectorant (from the Latin expectorare, to expel from the chest) is a medication that
helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. An example of an
expectorant is guaifenesin which promotes drainage of mucus from the lungs by thinning the
mucus and lubricating the irritated respiratory tract. Sometimes the term "expectorant" is
incorrectly extended to any cough medicine.

"An expectorant increases bronchial secretions and mucolytics help loosen thick bronchial
secretions. Expectorants reduce the thickness or viscosity of bronchial secretions thus increasing
mucus flow that can be removed more easily through coughing, Mucolytics break down the
chemical structure of mucus molecules. The mucus becomes thinner and can be removed more
easily through coughing" (Adams, Holland, & Bostwick, 2008, p. 591).

Prepared by:

Arvin Kiel B.
Quejada
WUP SN 11