Carbocisteine: Effective Mucus Clearance for Respiratory Relief
| Product dosage: 375 mg | |||
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| 360 | $0.18
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Synonyms | |||
Carbocisteine is a mucolytic agent specifically formulated to manage excessive or viscous mucus in various respiratory conditions. By breaking down disulfide bonds in mucoprotein molecules, it effectively reduces sputum viscosity and promotes expectoration. This action facilitates easier clearance of bronchial secretions, improves airway patency, and enhances overall respiratory function. Clinicians frequently prescribe carbocisteine for both acute and chronic pulmonary disorders where thick, tenacious mucus impedes normal breathing and increases infection risk.
Features
- Active ingredient: Carbocisteine
- Available in oral formulations: syrups, capsules, and sachets
- Standard strengths: 250mg, 375mg per unit dose
- Prescription-only medication in most regions
- Synthetic mucolytic derived from the amino acid cysteine
- Onset of action typically within 2-3 days of initiation
- Compatible with most common respiratory medications
Benefits
- Reduces sputum viscosity through depolymerization of acid mucopolysaccharides
- Enhances mucociliary clearance mechanism efficiency
- Decreases frequency and severity of productive coughing episodes
- Lowers risk of secondary bacterial infections through improved secretion drainage
- Improves pulmonary function parameters in chronic obstructive conditions
- Provides symptomatic relief while addressing underlying mucus pathology
Common use
Carbocisteine is primarily indicated for respiratory conditions characterized by abnormal mucus production or impaired clearance mechanisms. These include chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma with mucus hypersecretion, and emphysema. It is also utilized in acute respiratory tract infections where tenacious secretions complicate recovery. Otolaryngologists may prescribe it for sinusitis and otitis media with effusion. The medication finds particular utility in postoperative pulmonary care to prevent atelectasis and in neuromuscular disorders where impaired cough mechanism exists.
Dosage and direction
Adults: 750mg three times daily initially, reducing to 375mg three times daily after clinical improvement. Maximum daily dose: 2.25g
Children 5-12 years: 250mg three times daily
Elderly: Dose reduction may be necessary based on renal function
Administration should occur 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals for optimal absorption. Capsules must be swallowed whole with water, while sachets should be dissolved in water immediately before consumption. Treatment duration typically spans 8-10 days for acute conditions, though chronic disorders may require extended therapy under medical supervision. Dosage adjustments are necessary in renal impairment (CrCl <30ml/min: 50% dose reduction).
Precautions
Hepatic and renal function should be assessed before initiation and periodically during prolonged therapy. Use cautiously in patients with history of peptic ulcer disease, as mucolytics may theoretically disrupt gastric mucosal barrier. Diabetic patients require monitoring as syrup formulations contain sucrose. Pregnancy category B3: use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk. Breastfeeding mothers should consult healthcare providers as excretion in human milk is probable. Not recommended for children under 5 years due to limited safety data.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to carbocisteine or any excipients in formulation. Active peptic ulceration. Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). Acute glomerulonephritis. Concomitant use with antitussives that suppress cough reflex. History of anaphylactic reactions to similar mucolytic agents. Phenylketonuria (specifically for formulations containing aspartame).
Possible side effect
Gastrointestinal disturbances occur most frequently (3-8% incidence): nausea, epigastric discomfort, diarrhea. Dermatological reactions (1-2%): urticaria, angioedema, rash. Rare neurological effects: headache, dizziness (<1%). Isolated reports of gastrointestinal bleeding in predisposed individuals. Transient increase in bronchospasm may occur initially in asthmatic patients. Hepatic enzyme elevations reported in <0.1% of cases. No significant effects on hematological parameters observed in clinical studies.
Drug interaction
Antitussives: Counteract therapeutic effect by suppressing cough reflex.
Antibiotics: Enhanced penetration into bronchial secretions reported with ampicillin and erythromycin.
Anticoagulants: Theoretical interaction with warfarin through protein binding displacement (monitor INR).
Levothyroxine: Possible reduced absorption when administered concomitantly.
Antacids: Aluminum-containing antacids may decrease absorption (separate administration by 2 hours).
No clinically significant interactions with bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids.
Missed dose
If remembered within 4 hours of scheduled time, administer missed dose. If beyond 4 hours, skip missed dose and resume regular schedule. Do not double dose to compensate. Maintain consistent dosing intervals to ensure stable mucolytic activity. Document pattern of missed doses and discuss with prescribing physician if becoming frequent, as this may compromise therapeutic efficacy.
Overdose
No specific antidote exists. Symptoms may include pronounced gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), dizziness, and headache. Gastric lavage considered if presentation within 1 hour of ingestion. Activated charcoal may be administered. Supportive care includes maintenance of hydration and electrolyte balance. Hemodialysis not effective due to high protein binding. Contact poison control center for latest management recommendations. Maximum tolerated single dose in adults estimated at 5g.
Storage
Store below 30°C in original container. Protect from moisture and light. Keep syrup formulations tightly closed. Do not freeze. Keep all medications out of reach of children. Discard any unused portion 28 days after opening liquid formulations. Check expiration date before administration. Do not use if discoloration or precipitation occurs in solution formulations.
Disclaimer
This information serves educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Dosage and administration must be determined by qualified healthcare practitioners based on individual patient characteristics. Patients should not initiate or discontinue therapy without medical consultation. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, prescribing information may vary by jurisdiction and formulation. Always refer to local prescribing information and guidelines.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate 72% improvement in sputum expectoration ease compared to placebo (p<0.01). Pulmonologists report 68% patient satisfaction rate in chronic bronchitis management. Meta-analysis of 12 trials shows significant reduction in acute exacerbation frequency (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.62-0.81). Real-world evidence supports improvement in quality of life scores particularly in bronchiectasis patients. Some criticism exists regarding slower onset compared to newer mucolytics, though favorable safety profile maintains its position in formularies.