The potential of erdosteine to reduce the rate of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Exacerbations of COPD worsen health status, increase the frequency of hospitalizations, the likelihood of disease progression, and the risk of adverse outcomes. One of the main goals of the treatment of stable COPD today is to reduce the frequency of exacerbations of the disease. Thus, the expansion of suitable therapeutic options is extremely relevant for clinical practice. Use of mucolytic drugs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in COPD is justified by the pathogenetic mechanisms. These drugs are able to reduce the frequency of exacerbations, among other positive effects.Aim. This article describes additional possibilities of pharmacotherapy using the mucoactive drug erdosteine as maintenance therapy for COPD aimed at preventing exacerbations of this disease.Conclusion. The use of erdosteine in patients with stable COPD helps reduce the frequency and duration of exacerbations of the disease, primarily in the patients with stage II according to GOLD.