Description
Carbocisteine is a mucolytic. It changes the make-up of mucus in the airways so that it becomes thinner and less sticky, which can make a cough more productive and sputum easier to clear. It is used in chronic obstructive airways conditions where thick, tenacious sputum is a problem, and it is often reviewed after a set period to see whether it is helping.
The capsules are swallowed whole with water. A higher dose is usually taken at the start and reduced once symptoms improve, so follow the schedule you have been given rather than a fixed habit. Carbocisteine is not a bronchodilator and does not relieve wheeze or breathlessness. Tell your prescriber if you have a history of stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you are taking a medicine that irritates the stomach, and stop and seek advice if you cough or vomit blood.
- Mucolytic that thins sticky sputum in chronic airways conditions
- 375mg capsules, swallowed whole with water
- The dose is usually reduced once symptoms improve
- Not a bronchodilator; it does not relieve wheeze or breathlessness
- Tell your prescriber about any history of stomach ulcer
