Table 2 Main classes of mucoactive drugs
From: Role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections
Mucoactive drug classes | Proposed mechanism of action (example) |
|---|---|
Expectorants | Increase mucus secretion volume and/or hydration for more productive cough (e.g. guaifenesin) |
Mucolytics | Reduce mucus viscosity by breaking down tertiary structures within mucus (e.g. N-acetylcysteine) |
Mucokinetics | Increase mucus transportability by mucociliary transport and cough mechanisms (e.g. ambroxol) |
Mucoregulators | Affect the regulation of mucus synthesis and reduce mucus hypersecretion (e.g. anticholinergic agents) |