N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) capsules as a mucolytic?
Question:
I’ve recently been given samples of Mucofen LA, and got a script filled with the generic, 800mg. It seems to work better than the guaifenesin 600 X2 that I was using before. >" MS" m…@nospam.com wrote: (snip) >thick mucous was any thinner. I haven’t noticed any such benefit from >guaifenesin either. Or alkalol (any difference between irrigating with or >without Alkalol). >So, I haven’t yet found any substances sold as "mucous thinners" to work. >If >someone finds one, please tell us.
Sue M.
Response:
Proteolytic enzymes have a mucus thinning action. One is used via inhallation for cystic fibrosis made by Genentec called Pulmozyme. Enzymes are specific for thick mucus by their proteolytic action – for example papain and bromelain. See references at www.sinus-relief.com/clearease.html Still important to get enough liquids to thin the mucus. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com http://www.TinnitusRelief.net
Response:
"Sue milham" <suemil…@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20010412185354.14329.00001943@ng-cg1.aol.com… > I’ve recently been given samples of Mucofen LA, and got a script filled with > the generic, 800mg. It seems to work better than the guaifenesin 600 X2 that I > was using before.
What is Mucofen? What are the active ingredients? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >" MS" m…@nospam.com wrote: > (snip) > >thick mucous was any thinner. I haven’t noticed any such benefit from > >guaifenesin either. Or alkalol (any difference between irrigating with or > >without Alkalol). > >So, I haven’t yet found any substances sold as "mucous thinners" to work. > >If > >someone finds one, please tell us. > Sue M.
Response:
In Europe it’s also sold as a sweetened powder (orange flavor) in a packet, that you mix with water to make an effervescent drink. (Or perhaps a dissolving tablet, for the same purpose.) Also called Mucomyst, supposed to dissolve mucous generally, not only in the lungs. Here in the U.S., it’s not prescribed orally for that purpose, but guaifenesin is. For a while NAC was sold here as a food supplement (I’m not sure what for), so I bought a bottle and took them until finished. I didn’t notice that my thick mucous was any thinner. I haven’t noticed any such benefit from guaifenesin either. Or alkalol (any difference between irrigating with or without Alkalol). So, I haven’t yet found any substances sold as "mucous thinners" to work. If someone finds one, please tell us. "Steven D. Litvintchouk" <s…@mitre.org> wrote in message news:3ACFDA6F.5A4FAA91@mitre.org… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Mike wrote: > > I’ve read that N-Acetyl-Cysteine in aerosol form is commonly used as a > > mucolytic (mostly in cystic fibrosis, I believe). Some alternative > > treatment sites suggest that it’s also an effective mucolytic when > > taken in capsule form. I’m somewhat skeptical, and as I haven’t been > > able to find and solid studies on this, I was wondering if anyone had > > any knowledge of the effectiveness of NAC in capsule form. Put simply, > > is there any credible evidence that this stuff might help lessen the > > constant phlegm in my throat? > There have been some decent-looking scientific studies that show that > NAC can act as an effective mucolytic–but in the LUNGS. (You can > probably search for these studies on MEDLINE, or Compuserve’s Paper > Chase.) > If you’ve got phlegm in your THROAT, that may be due to post nasal > drip. I don’t know of any studies that show NAC is effective for that. > For post nasal drip, I find that nothing works better than nasal > irrigation using the Grossan irrigator. The more gunk you flush out, > the less remains to drip down into your throat. And what does drip > down, has mixed with the saline solution so it’s less viscous anyway. > — > Steven D. Litvintchouk > Email: s…@mitre.org > Disclaimer: As far as I am aware, the opinions expressed > herein > are not those of my employer.
Response:
I’ve read that N-Acetyl-Cysteine in aerosol form is commonly used as a mucolytic (mostly in cystic fibrosis, I believe). Some alternative treatment sites suggest that it’s also an effective mucolytic when taken in capsule form. I’m somewhat skeptical, and as I haven’t been able to find and solid studies on this, I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of the effectiveness of NAC in capsule form. Put simply, is there any credible evidence that this stuff might help lessen the constant phlegm in my throat? Thanks Mike
Response:
Mike wrote: > I’ve read that N-Acetyl-Cysteine in aerosol form is commonly used as a > mucolytic (mostly in cystic fibrosis, I believe). Some alternative > treatment sites suggest that it’s also an effective mucolytic when > taken in capsule form. I’m somewhat skeptical, and as I haven’t been > able to find and solid studies on this, I was wondering if anyone had > any knowledge of the effectiveness of NAC in capsule form. Put simply, > is there any credible evidence that this stuff might help lessen the > constant phlegm in my throat?
There have been some decent-looking scientific studies that show that NAC can act as an effective mucolytic–but in the LUNGS. (You can probably search for these studies on MEDLINE, or Compuserve’s Paper Chase.) If you’ve got phlegm in your THROAT, that may be due to post nasal drip. I don’t know of any studies that show NAC is effective for that. For post nasal drip, I find that nothing works better than nasal irrigation using the Grossan irrigator. The more gunk you flush out, the less remains to drip down into your throat. And what does drip down, has mixed with the saline solution so it’s less viscous anyway. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: s…@mitre.org Disclaimer: As far as I am aware, the opinions expressed herein are not those of my employer.
Response:
Filed under: Nasal irrigation
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