Which term is used for medicines that liquefy thick phlegm?

• A. Antipyretic
• B. Anti-Diabetic
• C. Mucolytic
• D. Decongestant

Answer: (C)

Mucolytics are medicines that liquefy thick phlegm. In the airways, mucus is a gel formed by mucin proteins linked by disulfide bonds. Mucolytic drugs break those bonds or otherwise disrupt the mucus structure, lowering its viscosity so it can be coughed up more easily. This thinning of mucus helps clear the airways in conditions with sticky, thick sputum. Classic examples include N-acetylcysteine (which also serves as an antioxidant precursor) and carbocisteine.

That’s why this term best fits the description. Antipyretics reduce fever, anti-diabetics control blood glucose, and decongestants mainly ease nasal congestion through vasoconstriction but don’t liquefy thick phlegm.