Oral mucolytics | Right Decisions

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

There is currently no high-quality evidence base for oral mucolytic therapy in people with bronchiectasis, however carbocisteine and acetylcysteine are widely used in Scotland to improve sputum clearance. Their use should be accompanied by support for airway clearance techniques.
Acetylcysteine has once daily dosing which may assist with adherence to therapy.
At least annual review of effectiveness of oral mucolytics is strongly recommended if either agents are trialled in any individual.
If a mucolytic is started in secondary care it can be reviewed in either primary or secondary care for effectiveness. See the chart in the prescribing of mucolytics for prescribing in different Health Boards.
Acetylcysteine should not be given at the same time of day as antibiotic therapy as it potentially reduces antibiotic absorption.