Carbocisteine

Carbocisteine is used to make it easier to cough up sputum in some respiratory problems.
It works best when it is taken regularly.
There are two strengths of the oral solution - an adult strength and a child strength.
Side-effects with carbocisteine are rare but may include allergic reactions and gastro-intestinal bleeding.

About carbocisteine

Type of medicine

Mucolytic

Used for

To help clear sputum where respiratory disease is associated with a productive cough

Also called

Mucodyne®

Available as

Capsules, oral liquid for adults, and oral liquid for children (aged 2-12 years)

Carbocisteine works by making sputum (phlegm) less thick and sticky, and therefore easier to cough up. This may also have an additional effect of making it harder for bacteria to cause chest infections.

Before taking carbocisteine

Before taking carbocisteine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have, or have ever had, an ulcer in your stomach or small intestine.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take carbocisteine

Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take carbocisteine exactly as your doctor has told you.
Try to take carbocisteine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
Carbocisteine works best when it is taken regularly. Your doctor will check to make sure it is working well for you.

Can carbocisteine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them.

Side-effects of treatment with carbocisteine occur only rarely, but may include allergic reactions and bleeding from the gastro-intestinal tract. If you develop any swelling around your face and mouth, difficulty breathing, or a skin rash, stop taking carbocisteine and let your doctor know straight away or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay. If you develop black stools, stop taking carbocisteine and let your doctor know as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store carbocisteine

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Mucodyne® Capsules, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2009, accessed November 2010.
Manufacturer's PIL, Mucodyne® Syrup, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2009, accessed November 2010.
Manufacturer's PIL, Mucodyne® Paediatric Syrup, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2010, accessed November 2010.
British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 13596

DocRef: dils3958

Last Reviewed: 24 Jan 2011

Version: 1

For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.

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