Effect of s-carboxymethylcysteine in chronic bronchitis patients.

ABSTRACT

Drugs that modify the physico-chemical properties of bronchial secretions are widely used in the treatment of chronic airway diseases. S-carboxymethylcysteine is one among various mucolytic agents available. It acts directly on mucus gland and reduces the viscosity of viscous by breaking the disulphide bonding which crosslink the strands of mucus. A double-blind trial of S-carboxymethylcysteine, administered orally in a dose of 700 mg. three times daily for seven days, was compared with placebo in 20 patients with chronic bronchitis. S-carboxymethylcysteine resulted in a significant reduction in the pourability of sputum by 55.5 to 65 percent. No improvement was noted in the subjective measures of ease of expectoration, severity of coughing and sputum consistency. There was also no significant difference in the volumes of sputum expectorated and in ventilatory function (spirometry). No side effect of S-carboxymethylcysteine was seen.