Carbocisteine

What are Carbocisteine Capsules?

Carbocisteine is a type of medication called a mucolytic, which helps to break down mucus. This makes it easier to cough up phlegm (mucus or sputum), to clear your airways. Carbocisteine is used to treat conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. These are conditions that affect the respiratory system and cause sticky, thick mucus to obstruct the airways in the lungs.

COPD can have a huge impact on quality of life, and can be very serious.[1] But it’s also a treatable and preventable disease with the right long-term treatment. Carbocisteine for COPD should be taken regularly to help regulate mucus production and clear your airways.

How does Carbocisteine work?

Carbocisteine is a mucolytic medicine, meaning it breaks down and reduces the thickness and stickiness of mucus, so it’s easier to cough up and clear. Similar to cough medicines and syrups (also known as expectorants), it works by breaking down the structure of the molecules that form mucus, as well as the bonds between them.^[2] It may also have the added benefit of making it harder for germs and bacteria to cause chest infections.^[3]

What dosage does Carbocisteine come in?

Carbocisteine capsules for COPD are available in a dose of 375mg, which you’ll usually be advised to take two of, three times a day. You can also get it in 750mg doses which are taken three times a day.

How to take Carbocisteine Capsules

Take Carbocisteine Capsules by mouth. You can take Carbocisteine with or without food.

• take two capsules, three times a day
• swallow whole with water

If your symptoms improve, your prescriber may lower your dose to:

• one capsule, four times a day
• swallowed whole with water

Let your clinician know if you think the dose is too weak or strong.

How long does it take to work?

Carbocisteine is usually a long-term treatment for COPD, so you may have to take this treatment for a long time. It may take up to four weeks before you notice your symptoms have improved. It takes time for carbocisteine to start working and breaking down phlegm, so it’s important to keep using Carbocisteine as instructed. Studies have shown that long-term carbocisteine use can improve COPD symptoms and quality of life.^[2]

What happens if I make a mistake while taking Carbocisteine?

If you take too many Carbocisteine Capsules, you should get medical attention right away.. It’s likely you’ll get an upset stomach.

If you forget to take a dose, just wait until the next dose. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.