Generic
Carbocisteine
11 brands available in the market
At a glance
Carbocisteine is a mucolytic medication used in the treatment of various respiratory tract disorders associated with excessive mucus. It thins and loosens mucus (phlegm) in the nose, windpipe, and lungs, making it easier to cough out.
Description
Carbocisteine reduces the viscosity of non-infected secretions from mucous cells in the respiratory tract. Its mucolytic action is due to two mechanisms: it breaks the disulphide bonds that cross-link certain glycoprotein molecules present in the mucus, and it also alters local ionic charges, both of which factors affect mucus viscosity. It also alters the composition of mucin secreted by the respiratory mucosa, decreasing the proportion of neutral glycopeptides and increasing sialoglycopeptides.
Carbocisteine is indicated for expectoration in upper respiratory inflammation (pharyngitis, laryngitis), acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, drainage in chronic sinusitis, and drainage in otitis media with effusion.
Indications
- Upper respiratory inflammation (pharyngitis, laryngitis) - expectoration
- Acute bronchitis
- Bronchial asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Pulmonary tuberculosis
- Drainage in chronic sinusitis
- Drainage in otitis media with effusion
Therapeutic class
Cough expectorants & mucolytics
Pharmacological class
Mucolytic Agent
Pharmacology
Carbocisteine reduces the viscosity of non-infected secretions from mucous cells in the respiratory tract. It breaks disulphide bonds cross-linking glycoprotein molecules in mucus and alters local ionic charges, both affecting mucus viscosity. It also alters mucin composition, decreasing neutral glycopeptides and increasing sialoglycopeptides.
Mechanism of action
Carbocisteine breaks disulphide bonds and alters ionic charges to reduce mucus viscosity, making phlegm thinner and easier to expectorate. It also reduces goblet cell hyperplasia.
Dosage
Adults (including elderly): Initial dose: 2250 mg/day (750 mg 3 times daily) in divided doses. After satisfactory response: 1500 mg/day (375 mg 4 times daily) in divided doses.
Children: Normal daily dose: 20 mg/kg body weight/day (in divided doses).
2-5 years: 62.5-125 mg 4 times daily.
6-12 years: 250 mg 3 times daily.
Infants: Dosage not established.
Note: Do not use without medical advice.
Administration
May be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time each day. Use a special dose-measuring spoon or cup for syrup (do not use a regular table spoon). Swallow tablets whole; do not chew or crush. Follow the dose and duration as advised by your physician.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (rare)
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Facial swelling (rare)
- Allergic reaction
- Breathlessness
- Wheezing
Precautions & warnings
- Use with caution in patients with recent history of peptic ulcer or recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Limited information on use in liver and kidney disease; caution required.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Know your response before driving (may cause dizziness).
Contraindications
- Active peptic ulceration
- Hypersensitivity to carbocisteine
Drug interactions
Neither hazardous nor therapeutically useful interactions have been reported.
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption is unsafe; avoid alcohol.
Use in pregnancy
Adequate information on use during pregnancy is not available. No teratogenic effects reported in animal studies, but use is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Adequate information on use during lactation is not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Children: 20 mg/kg/day (divided doses); 2-5 years: 62.5-125 mg 4 times daily; 6-12 years: 250 mg 3 times daily; Infants: Dosage not established.
Geriatric use
No specific dose adjustment required for elderly, but caution advised.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Hepatic impairment: Limited information; caution required.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Consult your doctor if overdose is suspected.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Carbocisteine