Indications
Erdosteine is a mucolytic (mucus-thinning) medicine used to loosen thick, sticky phlegm in short-term and long-term chest conditions, such as acute bronchitis, flare-ups of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions with excess mucus.
How It Works
Erdosteine is a prodrug: the liver changes it into an active form that contains free sulfhydryl (thiol) groups. These break the chemical bonds that hold mucus fibres together, making phlegm thinner and easier to cough up. It also has antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory effects in the airways and may help some antibiotics such as Amoxicillin reach the lungs better.
Dosage and Administration
Usual adult dose: 300 mg two times a day, swallowed with water, with or without food, usually for up to 10 days for short-term illness or as directed by a doctor for long-term lung disease. Children: only as prescribed, based on body weight, using a suitable syrup or suspension. Drink plenty of fluids during treatment.
Interactions
- It may increase the levels of Amoxicillin in phlegm, which can be helpful.
- Avoid using cough suppressants (such as Codeine or Dextromethorphan) at the same time without medical advice, as they stop you coughing up the loosened mucus.
- No other important interactions are well known; tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Erdosteine.
- Active stomach or duodenal ulcer.
- Severe liver disease or severe kidney disease.
- Phenylketonuria (some granule or syrup forms contain aspartame).
- Children under 2 years.
Side Effects
Usually mild and uncommon: nausea, heartburn, stomach upset, diarrhoea, change in taste and headache. Allergic skin reactions such as itching or rash may occur rarely.
Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a widespread rash with blisters, black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is not enough information on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is generally avoided unless the doctor considers it necessary.
Precautions and Warnings
- Use with care in people with a history of stomach ulcers.
- See a doctor if cough or phlegm lasts more than 1 to 2 weeks, if you cough up blood, or if fever or breathlessness worsens.
- Some forms contain sugar or sweeteners; check the label if you have diabetes or phenylketonuria.
Overdose
Overdose may cause stomach upset, nausea and diarrhoea. Seek medical advice; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Mucolytic (thiol derivative), expectorant.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.