Bronchiectasis

Treatment with mucolytics
Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine 600mg effervescent tablets sugar free

One tablet, once daily, dispersed in water.

Carbocisteine
Carbocisteine 375mg capsules

Two capsules three times a day, can reduce to two capsules twice daily if response satisfactory.

Prescribing Notes:

  • A trial of mucolytics can be considered in patients with bronchiectasis who have difficulty in sputum expectoration. Trial period should be advised by specialist, the patient should be reviewed and treatment discontinued if no clinical benefit observed.

History Notes

29/07/2024

Addition of alternative Acetylcysteine 600mg effervescent tablets, ERWG July 24.

16/02/2022

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Treatment with nebulised saline

Nebulised saline is commonly used in hospital for patients with bronchiectasis.

Sodium chloride
Sodium chloride 0.9% nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit dose ampoules

To be used as directed.

Sodium chloride 0.9% inhalation solution 2.5ml vials

To be used as directed.

History Notes

24/02/2025

Prescribing information updated, ERFC Feb 25.

12/12/2022

Updated sodium chloride inhalation solution options, ERWG Nov 22.

16/02/2022

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Prophylaxis of exacerbations of bronchiectasis

Specialist initiation following investigations in secondary care.

Azithromycin
Azithromycin 250mg capsules

Dose as per specialist.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Prescribing of azithromycin should be on the advice of a respiratory specialist, following sensitivities and investigations in secondary care.

History Notes

16/02/2022

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Treatment with mucolytics

Nebulised saline is commonly used in hospital for patients with bronchiectasis.

Sodium chloride
Sodium chloride 0.9% nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit dose ampoules

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 3% inhalation solution 4ml ampoules

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 3% inhalation solution 4ml vials

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 6% inhalation solution 4ml ampoules

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 6% inhalation solution 4ml vials

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 7% inhalation solution 4ml vials

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 7% nebuliser liquid 10ml bottles

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 7% nebuliser liquid 20ml vials

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 7% nebuliser liquid 30ml bottles

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 7% nebuliser liquid 5ml ampoules

Hospital use only.

Sodium chloride 7% nebuliser liquid 5ml bottles

Hospital use only.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Hypertonic saline (3%) may be prescribed for bronchiectasis as an alternate to 0.9%. It may also be prescribed for those with asthma that produce extra mucus.

History Notes

30/08/2023

East Region Formulary content agreed - ERFC 09/08/2023.