[Mucolytic agents for acute respiratory tract infections in infants: a pharmacoepidemiologic problem?]

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Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

M Chalumeau1, G Chéron, R Assathiany

  • 1Université René-Descartes, groupe hospitalier Cochin-Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm U149, Recherches épidémiologiques sur la santé périnatale et la santé des femmes, Paris, France. martin.chalumeau@wanadoo.fr

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|December 31, 2002
PubMed

Insights

The efficacy of mucolytics agents like acetylcysteine and carbocysteine in infants has not been proven. Evidence suggests potential safety concerns, including paradoxical bronchial congestion, particularly in younger infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Context:

  • Mucolytics agents, including acetylcysteine and carbocysteine, are frequently prescribed for respiratory conditions in infants.
  • Current prescribing practices and available scientific literature lack robust support for their use in this population.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mucolytics agents in infants.
  • To analyze prescription patterns and review existing literature on mucolytics use in pediatric patients.

Summary:

  • A survey of 1327 infant prescriptions showed 4.3% involved mucolytics for rhinopharyngitis, cough, and bronchitis.
  • No high-quality studies confirmed the efficacy or safety of these agents in infants for labeled or off-label indications.
  • Six cases of paradoxical bronchial congestion in infants under eight months were reported, with potential overdosing concerns due to variable dosing recommendations.

Impact:

  • Highlights the lack of evidence supporting mucolytics use in infants, challenging current clinical practices.
  • Suggests a need for further research into the safety and efficacy of these agents in pediatric populations.
  • Informs healthcare providers about potential risks and the importance of evidence-based prescribing for infant respiratory conditions.
Abstract

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