Which medication can be used as a mucolytic agent?

Hypertonic saline is recognized as a mucolytic agent due to its ability to hydrate airways and alter the properties of mucus. When inhaled, hypertonic saline creates an osmotic gradient that draws water into the airway space, effectively thinning and loosening thick mucus. This alteration in mucus viscosity enhances its clearance and improves airway patency, making it particularly useful in conditions such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where thick mucus accumulation is prevalent.

Fluticasone, typically used as an inhaled corticosteroid, focuses more on reducing inflammation rather than directly acting on mucus viscosity. Albuterol, a bronchodilator, primarily works by relaxing bronchial smooth muscles to open the airways but does not have mucolytic properties. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma and allergies but does not serve as a mucolytic agent.

Thus, hypertonic saline is the correct choice for a medication that functions as a mucolytic, directly aiding in the management of mucus-related airway issues.