Carbocisteine
About Carbocisteine
Carbocisteine belongs to the expectorant or mucolytic agent class. It is generally used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system. This causes lung infections and problems with food.
Carbocisteine contains Carbocisteine, a mucolytic agent (cough/sputum thinner). It works by making mucus (phlegm) less sticky. This makes the mucus easier to cough up.
You should take Carbocisteine as your doctor directed. This medication may show common side effects, including vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and epigastric discomfort (discomfort in the upper abdomen). Most of these effects subside over time without needing medical care. However, consult a doctor if the side effects worsen or persist.
It is recommended not to use if you are allergic to carbocisteine or any other ingredients in Carbocisteine. This medicine should not be taken during the first three months of your pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed unless instructed by the doctor during the therapy. Carbocisteine is not recommended for use in children less than 12 years of age. A paediatric syrup is available for use in children.
Uses of Carbocisteine
Medicinal Benefits
Carbocisteine contains carbocisteine, a mucolytic agent (cough/sputum thinner). It works by modulating the sputum viscosity in the respiratory tract, making it more fluid and less thick, increasing the mucociliary rate and allowing mucus removal from the respiratory tract. Thereby, it helps to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Carbocisteine
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Nausea Diarrhoea
- Epigastric discomfort (discomfort in the upper abdomen)
Drug Warnings
Do not use Carbocisteine in more than prescribed doses or longer duration as it may cause adverse effects. Caution should be exercised while using Carbocisteine if you have had an ulcer in your stomach or gut or are taking other medicines known to cause bleeding in the stomach. It is recommended not to use if you are allergic to any component present in Carbocisteine or your first three months of pregnancy. So, keep your doctor informed about your health condition, sensitives and all the medicines you take before taking Carbocisteine to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Carbocisteine may interact with medicines known to cause bleeding in the stomach, such as NSAIDs.
Drug-Food Interactions: Limit or avoid the consumption of alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have had an ulcer in your stomach or gut.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol during therapy with Carbocisteine.
Pregnancy
cautionCarbocisteine should not be taken during the first three months of your pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant, inform your doctor before taking Carbocisteine.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult the doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Carbocisteine. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother.
Driving
safeCarbocisteine does not impact your ability to drive or use machinery.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available about using Carbocisteine in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before taking Carbocisteine if you have an active or a history of liver disease.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available about using Carbocisteine in patients with kidney disease. Inform your doctor before taking Carbocisteine if you have an active or a history of kidney disease.
Children
unsafeCarbocisteine is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid dairy products such as milk, as it may increase mucus production.
- Avoid processed or refined foods to relieve cough; replace them with baked foods, fried foods, white bread, white pasta, french fries, sugary desserts, and chips with green leafy vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dry throat while you cough and loosen mucus.
- Avoid citrus fruits as they may worsen the cough. Eat fruits rich in water content, such as pears, watermelon, peaches and pineapples.
Special Advise
- You should inform your doctor that you are taking Carbocisteine before undergoing any medical tests or surgery.
- It is advised to stop using Carbocisteine if your cough persists for over a week and consult your doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, a persistent chesty cough with phlegm that does not go away, frequent chest infections and persistent wheezing.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. This causes lung infections and problems with digesting food. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include recurring chest infections, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and damage to the airways (bronchiectasis).
FAQs
Carbocisteine is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis.
Carbocisteine contains carbocisteine, which is a mucolytic medication (a cough/sputum thinner). It alters sputum viscosity in the respiratory tract, making it more fluid and less thick, boosting mucociliary rate and facilitating mucus evacuation from the respiratory system.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is typically caused by long-term exposure to irritants that harm your lungs and airways. Other inhaled irritants can also contribute to COPD. Examples include tobacco smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace.
Smoking is the most significant risk factor. Up to 75% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients smoke or use to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as second-hand smoke, air pollution, and environmental or workplace chemical fumes and dust.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is diagnosed using pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, a chest X-ray, and a CT scan.
You are recommended to take Carbocisteine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Before taking Carbocisteine, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any pre-existing health conditions, or are currently taking other medicines. This will help your doctor determine if Carbocisteine is suitable and safe for you.
You will know Carbocisteine is working if you notice an increase in thin, watery mucus (liquid) from your air passages, which helps make it easier to cough up and clear mucus. Consult a doctor, if you have any concerns or experience unexpected side effects.
Carbocisteine may start working within a few days to help clear mucus (liquid), although it may take longer to experience the full benefits, depending on your condition.
Carbocisteine is to help clear mucus from the airways, so it may not be effective for a dry cough that does not involve mucus. Carbocisteine is more suitable for a cough with mucus.
Carbocisteine contains carbocisteine, which may help prevent common colds and reduce the worsening of symptoms in individuals with COPD. Do not self-medicate.
Carbocisteine helps clear chest congestion (chest blocking) and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent the worsening of asthma symptoms. Always, consult your doctor before using Carbocisteine to ensure it is appropriate for your condition.
You are recommended to consult your doctor before using other cough syrups alongside Carbocisteine to ensure safety and avoid interactions.
You are recommended to consult a doctor before taking Carbocisteine with paracetamol to avoid potential interactions as it may raise the risk of an increase in side effects. Do not self-medicate.
Carbocisteine may not affect contraceptive methods. However, you are recommended to consult your doctor for further guidance.
If you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before taking Carbocisteine. Your doctor will help you decide if the benefits outweigh any potential risks. Do not self-medicate.
If you miss taking a dose Carbocisteine, then take it as soon as you remember and if it is the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dose. Avoid taking more to make up for the missed one.
Drink plenty of fluids along with Carbocisteine intake, and try steam inhalation to ease congestion (blocking). Rest and avoid irritants such as smoke to help recovery. Therefore, for personalized advice, consult your doctor.
Carbocisteine causes side effects such as being sick (vomiting), nausea, diarrhoea, and discomfort in the upper abdomen. Most of these are temporary and do not require any medical attention, as they will gradually reduce over time. Please, contact a doctor if these persist for longer durations.
