Randomised, controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine for treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [ISRCTN21676344]

Table 3 Concurrent medications

	N-acetylcysteine (n = 25)	Placebo (n = 25)
Inhaled steroids	15	9
Oral prednisone	9	6
Short acting inhaled beta-agonists	20	19
Ipratropium bromide	14	14
Long acting inhaled beta-agonists	7	7
Theophylline	4	1

The patients on treatment with oral prednisone included patients on long term treatment with oral steroids and those who were prescribed prednisone for this exacerbation prior to admission. There was no significant difference between the N-acetylcysteine and placebo groups for any of the concomitant medicines.

ISSN: 1471-2466