What is "tyloxapol"

n. A nonionic polymer that is used as a detergent to aid liquefaction of sputum

Tyloxapol is a nonionic liquid polymer of the alkyl aryl polyether alcohol type. It is used as a surfactant to aid liquefaction and removal of mucopurulent (containing mucus and pus) bronchopulmonary secretions, administered by inhalation through a nebulizer or with a stream of oxygen.

With intraperitoneal injection, tyloxapol also blocks plasma lipolytic activity, and thus the breakdown of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. This mechanism is used to induce experimental hyperlipidemia in animals.

Tyloxapol is the main active ingredient of the medical device Tacholiquin®. Tacholiquin® is an expectorant designated for inhalation and instillation reaching the upper and lower airways. Other brand names of pharmaceutical products containing Tyloxpol are Exosurf and Alevaire.