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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM › COUGH AND COLD PREPARATIONS › EXPECTORANTS, EXCL. COMBINATIONS WITH COUGH SUPPRESSANTS › Mucolytics
letosteine
R05CB09
Forms & Strengths
- Oral capsules 200 mg
- Oral syrup 3%
Adult Dosing
- 200 mg to 400 mg orally two to three times daily
- Maximum daily dose: 1200 mg
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients not established
- Use in children generally not recommended
Indications
- Mucolytic adjuvant therapy in acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases
- Conditions associated with excessive or thick mucus secretion
Mechanism of Action
- Thiol derivative that acts as a mucolytic agent
- Cleaves disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins, reducing sputum viscosity
- Facilitates expectoration and clearance of respiratory secretions
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to letosteine or related thiol compounds
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting
- Epigastric pain or heartburn
- Hypersensitivity skin reactions including rash and pruritus
Drug Interactions
- Concomitant antitussive agents may cause mucus plugging due to suppressed cough reflex
- May enhance gastrointestinal mucosal irritation when combined with NSAIDs
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use