Medicines & treatments centre

CARBOCISTEINE WARNINGS

Carbocisteine should be used with caution by patients with a history of stomach (peptic) ulceration.

It should not be used by:

• People who are allergic (hypersensitive) to carbocisteine or any of the other ingredients
• People with an active stomach (peptic) ulcer
• Children under 2 years old.

Also see list of precautions and interactions

STORAGE

Store below 25 C.

CARBOCISTEINE USES

What is it used for?

• Carbocisteine is used to treat patients with problems with their breathing passages (respiratory tract).
• It is a mucolytic.
• It is used to reduce the amount of mucus (phlegm) and make it less sticky, which then makes it easier to cough up.
• In general this drug is used to treat patients when they produce too much mucus (phlegm) or when the mucus (phlegm) is too sticky.
• Benefits of being on this drug can include being able to breathe more freely by allowing the patient to cough up mucus (phlegm) more easily.

Listed below are the typical uses of carbocisteine:

• Used to reduce the amount of mucus (phlegm) in the breathing passages of patients with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long term obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs), chronic productive cough (long term cough which produces much mucus (phlegm).

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list.

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

• This medication is available in a capsule or as a syrup (one strength of syrup for adults and one for children).
• Take this medication by mouth usually three to four times a day. Your doctor may advise you to take an initial higher dose and then reduce it once your body responds to the medication.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
• Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told not to by your doctor.
• It may take up to an hour or so before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
• Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

• Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

• None known. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

• Always complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor.

CARBOCISTEINE SIDE EFFECTS

No common side effects reported.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: blood in your vomit or black tarry stools.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the UK you may report side-effects to the MHRA

CARBOCISTEINE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking carbocisteine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other mucolytics, or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have active stomach (peptic) ulcers.

Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have a history of stomach (peptic) ulcers.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

• None known.

The elderly: there is no need to alter the adult dose of Carbocisteine for the elderly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

The safety of carbocisteine has not been established during pregnancy. It should be avoided in the first trimester. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

It is not known whether carbocisteine passes into breast milk. The manufacturer therefore states that it should not be taken if you are breastfeeding.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

CARBOCISTEINE INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur:

• None known.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

• None known.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using carbocisteine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

CARBOCISTEINE OVERDOSE

Taking too much carbocisteine may cause an upset stomach.

People who have taken too much Carbocisteine should tell a doctor or go to a hospital casualty department straight away.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of Carbocisteine or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.