Mucolytic

Erdosteine

Brand names: Erdotin

Erdosteine is an oral mucolytic agent used to reduce sputum viscosity in chronic respiratory disorders associated with excessive or tenacious mucus.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a prodrug whose active metabolites contain free thiol groups that break disulphide bonds in mucus glycoproteins, reducing sputum viscosity and supporting expectoration; it also has reported antioxidant properties.

Prescribing in practice

Avoid in active peptic ulceration and use with caution in significant hepatic or renal impairment.
It is contraindicated in patients with homocystinuria.
Treatment is generally intended for short-term use to relieve mucus hypersecretion rather than long-term continuation.

Monitoring

Review symptomatic response and discontinue if no benefit, with no routine laboratory monitoring required for short courses.

Counselling the patient

Take the capsules with a glass of water.
Tell your prescriber if you have a stomach ulcer or liver problems.
Stop and seek advice if your breathing worsens or symptoms do not improve.

Evidence & guidelines

Erdosteine is used as an adjunct mucolytic, with evidence supporting reduced sputum viscosity and symptom relief in chronic bronchitis.

Reference: NICE NG115; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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