Mucoactive medication in clinical management of pulmonary disorders

The production and clearance of respiratory mucus is a critical defence mechanism of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Mucus retention

is usually due to a combination of hypersecretion and impaired mucociliary clearance. Over the years, a diverse terminology has been used

to describe „mucoactive medication“. Some of these terms include expectorants, mucolytic, mucus mobilizers, mucus regulators, mucus

modifiers or mucociliary enhancers. Mucoactive drug is the general term for medication used to increase secretion removal or reduce mucus

hypersecretion. Expectorants enhance the volume or hydratation of respiratory secretions. Ion transport modifiers induce ion and water

transmembrane transport. Mucolytics degrade polymers in respiratory mucus. Mucokinetics increase cough efficiency and mucoregulatory

drugs reduce the volume of airway mucus. This classification should help us to better develop and evaluate new types of treatment and to

direct therapy toward patients. End of this article is intended for practical recommendations for primary care physicians.

Keywords: mucoactive drugs, COPD, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia