ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: The efficacy and safety of N-acetylcysteine prescribed in general practice were investigated. METHOD: open, non-controlled surveillance study conducted at 744 centers. PATIENTS: 3,076 patients suffering from bronchitis. MEDICATION: 600 mg N-acetylcysteine (Fluimucil-Long, Inpharzam Germany), administered as a single daily dose. END POINTS: evaluation of coughing, amount and quality of sputum, expectoration, dyspnea, compliance and tolerance. RESULTS: impressive improvement of the symptom complex, good compliance. Adverse reactions were reported in 45 patients (rate: 1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: treatment of chronic and acute bronchitis with the mucolytic agent N-acetylcysteine administered once daily, proved to be both effective and well tolerated.