Erdosteine
Erdosteine is a drug that you can use to treat chronic bronchitis, a condition where the airways become inflamed and produce a lot of mucus. This drug is a mucolytic drug that works by making mucus less thick and sticky, making it easier for you to expel.
This medicine is available in capsule and syrup form, and you can only get it with a doctor’s prescription.
Erdosteine is a derivative of mercapto-amino acid, present in the form of thiolactone. It is a potential drug or prodrug that after entering the body will change into an active form and provide a mucolytic effect. Erdosteine has the effect of stabilizing mucus secretion, thinning phlegm, making it easier for patients to expel phlegm.
This drug also has a bronchoprotective effect, protecting the enzyme α1-antitrypsin by increasing the amount of IgA antibodies in the blood, and increasing the ability to fight bacteria. In addition, the free thiol group of Erdosteine is also able to inactivate oxidants, especially free radical inactivation.
The advantage of erdosteine compared to other thiol drugs is that it is less irritating to the stomach. After entering the body, this drug will be quickly absorbed. Erdosteine will be eliminated mainly in the urine as sulfate conjugates.
- Category: The drug is included in category C, which means it shows side effects on the fetus.
- Use by: Use by adults.
- Erdosteine for pregnant and lactating women: Consult your doctor first before using this medicine.
- Drug form: The drug is available in capsule and syrup form.
Benefits of Erdosteine
Erdostein is useful to help relieve symptoms of phlegmy cough in chronic bronchitis sufferers. This medicine can help eliminate excess mucus in sufferers by thinning it, making it easier for you to remove.
Here are the main benefits of erdosteine that you need to know:
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Reduces mucus and phlegm
Erdosteine has a mucolytic effect that thins mucus in the respiratory tract. This drug can help patients suffering from respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis by facilitating mucus expulsion and relieving cough symptoms.
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Reduces symptoms of chronic bronchitis
Erdosteine can help reduce respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath in patients with chronic bronchitis. This drug reduces the frequency of exacerbations and worsening of the condition, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life.
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Reduces inflammation
Erdosteine can reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. The anti-inflammatory effects of this drug can contribute to the reduction of symptoms such as in COPD and asthma.
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Prevent respiratory tract infections
The main properties of this drug are to thin mucus and improve mucociliary clearance of the respiratory tract, thereby reducing the risk of secondary bacterial infections in patients with chronic lung disease.
Erdosteine Trademark
Erdosteine is available in capsule and dry syrup form. Here are some recommendations for tablet drugs containing Erdosteine that you can use:
- Erdosteine Dry Syrup 60 ml. The erdosteine content in this medicine acts as a bronchial mucus-thinning agent. This medicine works by thinning bronchial mucus, making it easier to expel phlegm.
- Erdosteine 300 mg 10 Capsules. Classified as a mucolytic drug, erdosteine 300 mg is used to relieve symptoms of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory disorders, which are associated with excessive mucus production.
- Vectrine Dry Syrup 60 ml. Used to treat acute and chronic respiratory disorders, including cough in patients with acute exacerbation of acute bronchitis. Erdosteine content is effective in thinning thick phlegm.
- Erdobat 300 mg 10 Capsules. Works by thinning bronchial mucus so that phlegm or mucus is more easily expelled from the body when coughing.
- Vestein 175 mg/5 ml Dry Syrup 60 ml. In the form of dry syrup medicine, this medicine is effective for thinning phlegm. Not only that, this medicine can also be used to treat acute and chronic respiratory tract disorders.
Erdosteine Dosage
The use of this drug must be in accordance with the dosage recommended by the doctor. To treat phlegmy cough due to chronic bronchitis, the usual dose given is 300 milligrams (mg) 2-3 times a day. Treatment with erdosteine is usually carried out for 10 days.
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Dosage for adults
- Used in chronic bronchitis, COPD, or other respiratory conditions associated with mucus.
- The standard dose for adults is 300 mg, twice daily (total 600 mg/day).
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Dosage for the elderly
- The dosage for elderly patients is the same as the adult dosage, but needs to be adjusted according to the disease experienced, for example impaired kidney or liver function.
- The standard dose for the elderly is 300 mg, twice daily (total 600 mg/day).
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Duration of drug use
For acute respiratory infections, treatment can last about 7-10 days. If erdosteine is used for bronchitis or COPD, it is usually used for several weeks to several months.
Remember, do not take this medicine in larger amounts, more often, or for longer than the prescribed dose. This can cause an overdose.
How to Use Erdosteine
- Before starting this medication, read the information on the medicine packaging carefully. Usually, information about dosage, how to use, and possible side effects are already listed in full on the packaging label.
- Take erdosteine capsules exactly as your doctor has directed. The usual dose is one capsule, twice daily, for up to 10 days. The dosage is also usually listed on the medicine label to remind you.
- Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Erdosteine can be taken either before or after meals.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for a missed dose.
- For storage, erdosteine should be stored in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children. Do not use the drug if it has passed its expiration date.
To maximize treatment, here are some tips you can do:
- Have regular check-ups with your doctor. That way, your doctor can check on your progress.
- People with breathing problems who exercise regularly tend to see improvements in their breathing. A daily walk is a good start if you are not used to exercising. Try to increase your physical activity level over time if you can.
- If you are overweight, it can make shortness of breath worse. Ask a nutritionist to give you advice on healthy eating and how to lose weight.
Cautions in Using Erdosteine
Erdosteine is not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes this medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. Therefore, before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about the following:
- If you have ever had a stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer).
- Have kidney or liver problems.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- All medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, supplements, and herbal medicines.
- If you have an allergic reaction to the drug.
If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your doctor that you are taking erdosteine.
Erdosteine Side Effects
Along with its benefits, erdosteine can also cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Here are some common side effects:
- Nauseous.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach ache.
- Heartburn.
- Gastric pains.
- Headache.
- Flu symptoms.
- Unusual taste.
- Itchy skin rash.
If you experience side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain, it is best to consume soft and bland foods. Avoid foods that are rich in spices.
Meanwhile, to relieve headache and flu symptoms, drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help. If the above side effects do not improve or are already bothersome, contact a doctor.
Erdosteine Interactions
There are no reports of erdosteine interactions with other drugs. Clinically, erdosteine can be combined with antibiotics, bronchodilators, receptor stimulants, and cough suppressants.
Erdosteine Contraindications
Erdosteine is contraindicated for people who have hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the drug, people with liver cirrhosis, cystathionine-synthase enzyme deficiency, and people with severe kidney disorders. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also not take this drug for safety reasons.