letosteine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

letosteine is a medication primarily used as a mucolytic agent, helps to break down and thin mucus in the respiratory tract. It is often used in the treatment of respiratory conditions like COPD and bronchitis.

By reducing the viscosity of mucus, letosteine can make it easier for individuals to cough up and clear excess mucus from their airways, improving breathing and reducing symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. Its spectrum of action is focused on improving respiratory function and relieving associated symptoms. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Nausea 

diarrhoea 

vomiting 

abdominal pain 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There were no specific black box warnings associated with letosteine. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity: letosteine should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to letosteine or any of its components. 
• Children: letosteine is not typically recommended for use in children below a certain age, and specific age limit can vary depending on the formulation and country-specific guidelines. Always follow the recommended age and dosing guidelines provided by your healthcare provider. 
• Severe Liver Disease: Individuals with severe liver disease may need dosage adjustments or should avoid letosteine use altogether. Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing recommendations. 
• Severe Respiratory Insufficiency: In cases of severe respiratory insufficiency or respiratory failure, the use of letosteine may not be suitable, and alternative treatments should be considered.

Caution: 

• Asthma: letosteine should be used with caution in individuals with a history of asthma or bronchospasm, as it can sometimes exacerbate these conditions. Close monitoring of respiratory symptoms is essential during treatment. 
• Peptic Ulcers: letosteine may cause gastric irritation or worsen peptic ulcers. Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding should use letosteine with caution. 
• Renal Impairment: Patients should be monitored closely while taking letosteine, as the drug is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Dosage adjustments may be necessary. 
• Liver Disease: In cases of mild to moderate liver disease, letosteine can be used with caution. However, individuals with severe liver impairment should be closely monitored, and dosage adjustments may be required. 
• Children and Elderly: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for pediatric and elderly patients, as their physiological responses to medications can differ from adults.

Comorbidities: 

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): letosteine is commonly used in individuals with COPD to help manage excessive mucus production and improve airway clearance. 
• Cystic Fibrosis: The cystic fibrosis often has thick and sticky mucus, and letosteine can be a part of their treatment plan to help reduce mucus viscosity. 
• Bronchiectasis: This is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation and damage airways, leading to increased mucus production. letosteine may be used to facilitate mucus clearance in bronchiectasis patients. 
• Respiratory Infections: letosteine is sometimes prescribed for individuals with respiratory tract infections like bronchitis or pneumonia, to help clear mucus and improve breathing. 
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can contribute to respiratory symptoms and cough. Treating underlying GERD may complement the effects of letosteine in managing related symptoms. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pharmacology

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown   

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Take letosteine tablets by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break them unless directed otherwise. 
• You can take letosteine with or without food, but it is often taken with meals for better absorption and to reduce the risk of stomach upset. 
• Follow the prescribed dosage and dosing schedule carefully. Do not exceed the recommended dose. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: letosteine 

Pronounced: (leh-toh-steen)  

Why do we use letosteine? 

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): letosteine may be prescribed to individuals with COPD to help reduce viscosity of mucus in the airways, makes easier to clear and improving breathing. 
• Chronic Bronchitis: It is often used in the management of chronic bronchitis, a condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes and excessive mucus production. 
• Bronchiectasis: letosteine can be used to assist in the treatment of bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition where the airways are damaged and become widened and scarred, leading to mucus buildup. 
• Cystic Fibrosis: In cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, letosteine may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help thin and clear mucus from the airways.