N-Acetylcysteine bronchiectasis

[LVS1]

Has this worked for anyone? Is it something available here in the UK? Help appreciated! bronchiectasisnewstoday.com...

[kimmyb_83]

I’ve read this too and interested if it’s available treatment in UK. Mum in desperate need of something to improve her quality of life.

[Hidden]

I have used Carbocisteine for years. It's a mucolyctic and readily available on prescription in GB, but it doesn't help everyone.

[Kpacific]

I asked my pulmonologist about NAC. He about jumped out of his chair, saying that it can cause bronchospasm. I looked it up, and one study said that about 10% of users could have that side affect. In the U.S. It's available over the counter. I bought it, but was afraid to try it!

[santisuk]

I have used acetylcysteine as my mucolytic of choice. I'm in Thailand and can buy it over the counter. I did a self trial a year or so ago to compare it over a period of 6 x 1 month changeovers with carbocysteine. Could not detect any difference in effect between the two - both equally beneficial, both give me zilch side effects (both appear to be relatively safe from the drug clashes and contraindications sections of the pharma box inserts and reactions of BLF forum users that I have seen over the years - though one of the 'regulars' on the forum has had troubles with one but I can't remember which one now).

Acetylcysteine supposedly has other benefits which I had previously ignored and presumed to be unprovable in the same way most other supplements are - acetylcysteine is closer to a supplement than a chemical pharma by the way. 3 weeks ago I had a triple heart bypass operation and when the Bangkok hospital pharmacist came to discuss my existing meds with me pre-op I was surprised when she said - 'oh yes acetylcysteine - we would be giving you that anyway with the CAB operation and post treatment as we do with quite a lot of surgical operations that have a potential lung impact'. I thought that was interesting, particularly as in Thailand acetylcysteine is about 25% more expensive than carbocysteine and I'm sure medics would be using the latter if they regraded it with equal weight. Carbo is equally available OTC in Thailand.

The expense thing probably impacts on UK availability too so it might be difficult to opt for acetylcysteine under an NHS setting in preference to carbocytseine, unless you are having difficulties with the latter. And as I said, for me, carbo seemed to work just as well in thinning my sputum as did acetyl. I carried on taking and paying more for acetyl only because it was a pleasant one-a-day soluble 600mg tablet. Can't be @rsed with 4-6 tablets taken in three doses over a day - life's too short and I can't always remember!