erdosteine

Erdosteine is an orally administered small molecule mucolytic agent developed for the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis. It is a thiol derivative prodrug that undergoes hepatic first-pass metabolism to produce active metabolites with mucolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The primary mechanism involves breaking disulfide bonds in mucin glycoproteins via its free sulfhydryl groups, reducing mucus viscosity and improving mucociliary transport. Additionally, erdosteine's metabolites scavenge free radicals and inhibit inflammatory mediators, while also enhancing antibiotic penetration into bacterial biofilms. Clinical studies have shown it reduces the frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations and improves symptoms in patients with chronic bronchitis[1][3][5][6][7].

Brand names

Erdotin

Other names

Erdosteinum