Mucolytic
Mucolytic (disulfide bond lysis)
- A free sulfhydryl group cleaves the disulfide bonds cross-linking mucin glycoproteins → sputum viscosity falls
- The chemistry is thiol–disulfide interchange
- Distinct from an expectorant, which mobilizes secretions without altering mucin chemistry
Drugs with this mechanism (2)
- Acetylcysteine — Glutathione precursor and mucolytic; the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) — Glutathione precursor sold OTC as a supplement; off-label for trichotillomania. The antidote is prescription acetylcysteine.
Self-check
- Which mucin bonds does a thiol mucolytic cleave?
Disulfide cross-links. - How does an expectorant differ from this mucolytic chemistry?
It mobilizes secretions without altering mucin chemistry.
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