Carbocisteine is used to facilitate expectoration in conditions involving excessive or thick mucus, such as upper respiratory tract inflammation (including pharyngitis and laryngitis), acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary tuberculosis. It is also used to aid drainage in chronic sinusitis and in otitis media with effusion.

Carbocisteine reduces the thickness of non-infected mucus secretions produced by the respiratory tract. Its mucolytic effect occurs through two main mechanisms: it breaks disulphide bonds that link glycoprotein molecules within mucus, and it modifies local ionic charges, both of which help decrease mucus viscosity. Additionally, it influences the composition of mucin by reducing neutral glycopeptides and increasing sialylated glycopeptides, thereby improving mucus clearance.

Adults (including elderly): Dosage is based upon an initial dosage of 2250 mg daily in divided doses (750 mg 3 times daily), reduced to 1500 mg daily in divided doses (375 mg 4 times daily), when a satisfactory response has been obtained.

Children: Normal daily dose is 20 mg/kg body weight in divided doses.
2-5 years: 62.5-125 mg 4 times daily.
6-12 years: 250 mg 3 times daily.
Infants: Dosage in infants has not been established.

No clinically significant or harmful drug interactions have been reported with carbocisteine.

Carbocisteine should not be used in patients with active peptic ulcer disease or in those who are hypersensitive to this medication.

Possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, headache, and skin rash.

Although no teratogenic effects have been reported, carbocisteine is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. There is no sufficient information regarding its use during breastfeeding.

While no specific precautions are generally required, carbocisteine should be used cautiously in patients with a recent history of peptic ulcer or recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.

Cough expectorants & mucolytics

Store below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.