Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: scientizscht on 04/01/2019 20:11:57

Title: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: scientizscht on 04/01/2019 20:11:57
Why that? I think it's bad practice.
Title: Re: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: chris on 04/01/2019 22:36:07
Upon what are you basing that claim?
Title: Re: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: RD on 04/01/2019 23:36:22
"Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?"

They're not exclusively prescribed for COPD, e.g. they're used to treat Cystic Fibrosis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17419975).

Nor are they only medicine to treat COPD, e.g. bronchodilators are also used.
Title: Re: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: chris on 05/01/2019 12:03:05
"Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?"
They're not exclusively prescribed for COPD, e.g. they're used to treat Cystic Fibrosis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17419975).

Exactly!
Title: Re: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: scientizscht on 05/01/2019 15:58:40
They don't give them in common cold with productive cough, why?
Title: Re: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: RD on 05/01/2019 16:47:44
They don't give them in common cold with productive cough, why?

It could make matters worse ...
Quote
... thinning of secretions may not always be beneficial,
since it may negatively affect certain aspects of mucus transport such as cough clearance  ...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17419975

There's going to be an optimum mucus-viscosity for transport by cillia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cilium#Motile_cilia): not too thick & not too thin ...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045793011001861
Title: Re: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: scientizscht on 05/01/2019 19:08:13
They don't give them in common cold with productive cough, why?

It could make matters worse ...
Quote
... thinning of secretions may not always be beneficial,
since it may negatively affect certain aspects of mucus transport such as cough clearance  ...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17419975

There's going to be an optimum mucus-viscosity for transport by cillia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cilium#Motile_cilia): not too thick & not too thin ...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045793011001861

OK then why don't they prescribe mucokinetics? And why mucokinetics are only available with prescription?
Title: Re: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: RD on 05/01/2019 19:38:56
... why mucokinetics are only available with prescription?

Reasons a medication is only available with a doctor's prescription include drug-interactions (https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-55749/decongestant-expectorant-oral/details/list-interaction-medication) and drug-abuse (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/over-counter-medicines).
Title: Re: Why mucolytics are only prescribed in COPD?
Post by: chiralSPO on 05/01/2019 19:44:26
Why prescribe anything for a cold?

Maybe some acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol) to control fever, aches, and sore throat, but even that is just for comfort, and doesn't actually help (unless the fever is dangerously high), and is actually one of the most dangerous medicines (in terms of overdose injuries and fatalities per year).

We can use drugs like pseudoephedrine to reduce secretions (simultaneously reducing the volume and increasing the thickness of nasal mucous, but also causing dry mouth and potentially constipation--too much will also mess with heart rate). Or antihistamines, which will also reduce itchy/irritated feelings. Or if there is a lot of mucous in the lungs, an expectorant like guaifenesin can help to thin the mucous a little bit.

But overall, the best treatment for colds involves plenty of rest, some hot tea, nutritious food, and patience...

Or, you know, excise the infected organs and replace them with transplants, use acid to burn away the viruses in the blood and take lots of morphine for the pain... what could go wrong?