acetylcysteine + salbutamol

A combination therapy consisting of the mucolytic agent acetylcysteine and the short-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol (also known as albuterol). This combination is administered via nebulization to mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) to manage respiratory failure and prevent complications such as sputum plugging, atelectasis, and pneumonia. Acetylcysteine acts by cleaving disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, thereby reducing mucus viscosity and facilitating its clearance. Salbutamol stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the airway smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. The combination was evaluated in the NEBULAE trial, a multicenter randomized controlled non-inferiority trial conducted by the Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA), which compared routine preventive nebulization against on-demand nebulization based on clinical indication.

Brand names

FluimucilVentolin

Other names

acetylcysteine + albuterolN-acetylcysteine + salbutamolN-acetyl-L-cysteine + salbutamol