The possibilities of N-acetylcysteine in the complex therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2025-485
Abstract
Chronic mucus hypersecretion plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Based on the currently available data, mucolytic drugs are included in current clinical guidelines. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an effective mucolytic drug that reduces the viscosity and elasticity of sputum, improves mucociliary clearance, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, including in patients with COPD. NAC improves the symptoms and quality of life of patients with COPD, the risk and duration of COPD exacerbations, and the risk of mortality in certain groups of patients with COPD. Taking NAC is associated with a favorable safety profile at both high and standard doses. The purpose of this clinical observation is to evaluate the effectiveness of NAC in the complex treatment of a patient with extremely severe COPD. Based on the dynamics of the patient’s clinical, instrumental and laboratory parameters, the appointment of mucolytic (NAC) at a dose of 600 mg/day is justified. The presented clinical case demonstrated the high efficacy of N-acetylcysteine at a dose of 600 mg/day, prescribed in addition to basic therapy to a patient with extremely severe COPD who has a productive cough with difficult-to-separate sputum. Conclusions: when adding a dose of NAC 600 mg/day to a fixed triple combination LABA/LAMA/ICS in a patient with extremely severe COPD showed a decrease in cough, an improvement in sputum discharge, and a decrease in CAT scores; no adverse reactions were reported while taking NAC at a dose of 600 mg/day.
About the Authors
E. V. Bolotova
Kuban State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena V. Bolotova, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Therapy No. 1
4, Mitrofan Sedin St., Krasnodar, 350
T. I. Frolova
Kuban State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Tatyana I. Frolova, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor of the Faculty Therapy Department
4, Mitrofan Sedin St., Krasnodar, 350
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Review
For citations:
Bolotova EV, Frolova TI. The possibilities of N-acetylcysteine in the complex therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Meditsinskiy sovet = Medical Council. 2025;(20):174-178. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2025-485
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