A Comparative Study of Ambroxol and N-Acetylcysteine in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kanpur (UP)
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Keywords
COPD, Ambroxol, N-acetylcysteine, mucolytics, pulmonary function, sputum clearance
Abstract
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion leading to impaired mucociliary clearance and frequent exacerbations. Mucoactive drugs such as Ambroxol and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are commonly used as adjunct therapy to improve mucus clearance and reduce symptoms.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of Ambroxol and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in patients with stable COPD.
Methods: A prospective, randomized comparative interventional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Kanpur. A total of 215 COPD patients were enrolled; after exclusions and dropouts, 200 patients completed the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A received Ambroxol, and Group B received NAC for 14 days along with standard COPD therapy. Outcomes were evaluated using spirometry parameters (FEV₁, FVC), sputum score, mMRC dyspnea scale, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), health-related quality of life (HRQL), and adverse drug reactions.
Results: A total of 215 COPD patients were initially enrolled in the study. Both Ambroxol and NAC significantly improved pulmonary function, sputum clearance, and dyspnea scores over 14 days. However, Ambroxol demonstrated greater improvement in sputum clearance and symptom relief, while NAC showed comparable improvements in lung function. Both drugs exhibited good tolerability with minimal adverse effects.
Conclusion:Ambroxol and NAC are effective adjunct therapies in COPD management, with Ambroxol showing slightly superior symptomatic benefit. Both drugs are safe and improve patient outcomes.
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