Erdosteine

Uses

Erdosteine is a mucolytic drug used in the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory diseases. It also improves the symptoms associated with short episodes of chronic bronchitis.

Erdosteine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Excess mucus or phlegm, Airway secretion clearance therapy

How Erdosteine works

Erdosteine, is an orally administered mucolytic agent. It is classified as a thiol derivative and produced for the management of symptoms caused by chronic obstructive bronchitis. Erdosteine contains sulfhydryl groups which are released after hepatic first-pass metabolism in the liver. Its active metabolites (3 in number) exert both mucolytic activity and scavenging activity against free radicals. Erdosteine acts to regulate the production of mucus in the airway and regulates its viscosity while enhancing mucociliary transport. This leads to an increase in expectoration. Erdosteine shows inhibition against the effects of free radicals from cigarette smoke. Clinical studies in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) have shown that this drug is generally safe and well tolerated. 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.

Dosage

Erdosteine dosage

The usual dose of elderly patients and adults above 18 years is 1 capsule twice daily for 10 days. But study shows that in chronic cases Erdosteine can be given up to 12 months or as directed by the physician. Erdosteine capsule may be taken with or without food.

Side Effects

Common side effect is epigastric pain. Other side effects include headache, cold, taste alterations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, angioedema and other skin allergic reactions.

Precaution

It should be used with caution in mild liver failure. In that case, should not exceed a dose of 300 mg per day.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

The use of Erdosteine in pregnant or breast-feeding women is not recommended.

Contraindication

It is contraindicated to patients who have hypersensitivity to Erdosteine. It should not be used in patients with creatinine clearance <25 ml/min, or with severe liver failure.

Special Warning

Renal Impairment: CrCl <25 ml/min: Contraindicated.

Hepatic Impairment:

• Mild to moderate: Max: 300 mg daily.
• Severe: Contraindicated.

Storage Condition

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children

Innovators Monograph

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