3.7. Mucolytics
Prescribing Notes:
- Prescribe by brand name. Only Acepiro brand is formulary
- Acepiro effervescent tablets contain 600mg acetylcysteine
- Discontinue use after 4-6 weeks if the patient fails to derive any benefit
Prescribing Notes:
Discontinue use after 4 weeks if the patient fails to derive any benefit (see BNF). The dose of carbocisteine should be reduced to a maintenance dose of 1.5g daily in divided doses as the patient's condition improves. Typically, such a dose reduction would be done after one month of treatment
Restrictions:
Restricted to specialist initiation.
Prescribing Notes:
Responsibility for initiation, review and any necessary monitoring rests with specialist service.
Restrictions:
Restricted to specialist initiation for use in cystic fibrosis patients who are not currently using dornase alfa due to lack of response, intolerance or ineligibility and have rapidly declining lung function and in whom other osmotic agents are considered unsuitable.