Mucolytics

Preferred list (P)

ACETYLCYSTEINE (Acepiro®)

  • Oral mucolytics can be of benefit to some patients with COPD and a chronic productive cough. Treatment should be reviewed after 4-6 weeks. If no benefits are demonstrated, treatment should be discontinued.

  • Acepiro® 600mg effervescent tablet dose is one daily after food. Acepiro® should be administered with caution in patients with a reduced cough reflex (e.g. frail or elderly patients).

  • For further advice on the treatment of COPD and dosing regimens please see the NHSL Guidelines for the Pharmacological Management of COPD.

NHSL Joint Adult Formulary Key

To indicate the category of a formulary medicine, updated sections adopt the following key:

Preferred list (P): First-line formulary choices.

Total list (T): Alternative choices when preferred list options not effective/not tolerated, or not indicated.

Specialist initiation (S1): Specialist initiation, or on the advice of a Consultant or Specialist Practitioner in this therapeutic area. Continuation in primary care is acceptable.

Specialist use only (S2): Supply via hospital, Homecare Service or a hospital based prescription (HBP) for dispensing by community pharmacy. Not prescribed in primary care setting.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2022

Next review date: 31/01/2025

Author(s): NHSL.

Version: Please refer to the introduction section for an explanation of the review dates above.

Approved By: ADTC

Reviewer name(s): ADTC.