Oral mucolytics

Over-the-counter oral mucolytics (usually bromhexine) are widely used by patients with COPD. They have not been studied for efficacy in COPD, but appear to be safe.

Other oral mucolytics, such as N-acetylcysteine, erdosteine, carbocysteine and ambroxol, can reduce exacerbations in moderate to severe COPD, although trials did not show an improvement in quality of life. Access to these drugs in Australia is limited.