Carbocisteine

About carbocisteine

Mucolytic medicines, such as carbocisteine, can be helpful for people with a long-term respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Carbocisteine works by making phlegm (mucus) less thick and sticky, and therefore easier to cough up. It may also have a knock-on effect of making it harder for germs (bacteria) to cause chest infections.

It needs to be taken regularly, and is most likely to help if you have moderate or severe COPD and have frequent or bad flare-ups.

Before taking carbocisteine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you (or your child) start taking carbocisteine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take carbocisteine

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about carbocisteine and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take carbocisteine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. As a guide:
  

  • The usual dose for an adult is: two 375 mg capsules three times a day, reduced when symptoms improve to one 375 mg capsule four times daily.

  • If you have been prescribed the oral liquid medicine, the usual dose for adults is 15 ml (750 mg) three times a day, reduced when symptoms improve to 10 ml (500 mg) three times a day.

  • If you have been prescribed the oral liquid medicine in sachets, the usual dose is one sachet three times a day, reduced when symptoms improve to one sachet twice a day.

• Be aware of the new 'double-strength' medicine for children, especially if you are used to giving the old 'low-strength' children's medicine.

  • The usual dose for a child aged 5-12 years is: 5 ml (250 mg) three times daily.

  • The usual dose for a child aged 2-5 years is: 1.25-2.5 ml (62.5-125 mg) four times daily.

  • Measure your child's dose carefully, using the oral syringe provided.

• Carbocisteine works best when it is taken regularly. Try to take your doses at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses regularly. It is not important whether you take carbocisteine before or after food.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress, as your doctor will want to check to make sure that carbocisteine is working well for you.

• People with respiratory disease who exercise regularly tend to have improved breathing. Taking a daily walk is a good start if you are not used to exercise. Try to increase the level of your activity over time if you are able.

• If you are overweight it can make breathlessness worse. Ask a dietician to give you advice on healthy eating and how to lose weight.

Can carbocisteine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Side-effects of carbocisteine occur only rarely. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store carbocisteine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines