Carbocisteine is a mucolytic medication that is used to treat the problem of excessive mucus production in the lungs. It is prescribed to those who suffer from mucus in the lungs and other associated breathing problems. Carbocisteine works to dilute the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Usually, excessive mucus problems arise for people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis. Carbocisteine is an effective remedy for dealing with sputum in the airways due to these conditions. This medicine is only available by prescription. It comes as capsules, syrup or liquid.
Carbocisteine is an effective remedy for excessive mucus in the lungs. It helps by making the sputum or mucus less sticky and easier to cough up. Usually, this medication is given to those who have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis. Carbocisteine belongs to a group of medicines known as mucolytics. These medicines are designed to help reduce mucus, also known as phlegm or sputum, in the lungs for easier breathing.
In chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis, an excessive amount of thick mucus can collect in the airways, making it difficult for the patient to breathe. As this mucus is thick and sticky, it is difficult to remove by coughing up. The presence of sputum can block and irritate the airways.
In such cases, doctors recommend Carbocisteine. This medication is a mucolytic, and it works by breaking the mucus down and making it less sticky. It allows the patient to cough up and remove the sputum that is constricting the airways.
Carbocisteine is a prescription-only medication and should be taken as per the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will consider your age, medical history, the severity of your symptoms, and response to treatment before prescribing the required dose for you. Carbocisteine is available as a capsule, syrup, and liquid for ease of administration. Here is the usual recommended dose of Carbocisteine –
For Adults
Capsules: Two Carbocisteine 375 mg capsules, three times a day. When your symptoms improve, your doctor may lower your dosage to one Carbocisteine 375 mg capsules four times a day. Adults are usually prescribed capsules.
Syrup: Carbocisteine Syrup 15 ml, three times a day. When your symptoms improve, your doctor may lower your dosage to Carbocisteine Syrup 10 ml, three times a day. Syrup may be prescribed to children or adolescents. Paediatric syrups are also available.
Liquid: One sachet of Carbocisteine liquid, three times a day. When your symptoms improve, your doctor may lower your dosage to one sachet of Carbocisteine liquid twice a day. The liquid form of Carbocisteine is usually given to children or people who cannot take capsules.
For Children
Ages two to four years: Carbocisteine Syrup 1.25 ml to 2.5 ml, four times a day.
Ages five to eleven years: Carbocisteine Syrup 5 ml, three times a day.
Ages twelve to seventeen years: Carbocisteine Syrup 15ml, three times a day.
If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and move on to the next one. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
As Carbocisteine is a prescription-only medicine, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking the medication. Your doctor or our pharmacist will give you the proper directions for taking Carbocisteine. It is also good to read the patient information leaflet given in the pack for use instructions. Here is the typically recommended way to use Carbocisteine –
You can take Carbocisteine capsules, syrup, and liquid with or without food.
The Carbocisteine Syrup comes with a plastic syringe or measuring spoon to help you measure out the correct dose for children. Please do not use a kitchen spoon. It may not give you the right measure.
Your dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to the treatment. Do not give your medication to someone else without advice from a doctor. Also, do not increase or reduce your dose without a doctor’s advice.
Do not take the medication if the expiry date mentioned on the pack is passed. The expiry date refers to the last day of the mentioned month.
Carbocisteine is an effective medication for those who have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis. However, it is advisable to discuss your medical history, ongoing treatments and prevailing medical conditions with our clinician before using Carbocisteine. Here are some conditions wherein Carbocisteine should be used with caution –
Senior citizens should use Carbocisteine only when prescribed by a doctor, and even then, exercise caution and take the exact dose as prescribed.
People who have a history of gastroduodenal ulcers should be careful and go for regular check-ups when taking Carbocisteine.
Those who are taking concomitant medications known to cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Discontinue the medication if gastrointestinal bleeding occurs.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Carbocisteine unless recommended by a doctor. There is no clinical evidence to prove the presence of Carbocisteine in breast milk. The safety or adversity of Carbocisteine during lactation is yet to be determined.
Carbocisteine is an effective medication used to treat adults and children struggling with excessive sputum on the lungs. However, Carbocisteine may not be suitable in some conditions. Discuss your medical history, ongoing treatments, and prevailing medical conditions with our clinician before taking this medication. Here are some cases wherein Carbocisteine is unsuitable –
Just like any other medication, Carbocisteine is also known to cause side effects in some cases. Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Just because a side effect is listed here does not mean that every person taking this medication will experience that or any other side effect. Here is the list of the side effects of Carbocisteine –
Skin rashes
Allergic skin reaction such as itchiness.
Bleeding in the stomach or intestines. If you notice any blood in your stools or vomit, or if your stools are black and tarry, let our clinicians know.
Diarrhoea
Feeling sick or vomiting
Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
If you have been prescribed Carbocisteine, take the following precautions when taking the medication –
You can buy Carbocisteine safely in the UK from MedsNow online pharmacy. Check our website for the Carbocisteine price and other details. Place the order for the medication from the convenience of your home. Carbocisteine is a prescription-only medication. You can also take an online consultation with our pharmacists before buying the drug. The medication is delivered to your doorstep.
(GPhC Reg: 2061101)
(GPhC Reg: 2086766)
