Carbocisteine

About carbocisteine

Mucolytic medicines, such as carbocisteine, can be helpful for people with a long-term respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Carbocisteine works by making phlegm (mucus) less thick and sticky, and therefore easier to cough up. It may also have a knock-on effect of making it harder for germs (bacteria) to cause chest infections.

It needs to be taken regularly, and is most likely to help if you have moderate or severe COPD and have frequent or bad flare-ups.

Before taking carbocisteine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you (or your child) start taking carbocisteine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una úlcera de estómago.

• Si está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

How to take carbocisteine

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about carbocisteine and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take carbocisteine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. As a guide:
  

  • The usual dose for an adult is: two 375 mg capsules three times a day, reduced when symptoms improve to one 375 mg capsule four times daily.

  • If you have been prescribed the oral liquid medicine, the usual dose for adults is 15 ml (750 mg) three times a day, reduced when symptoms improve to 10 ml (500 mg) three times a day.

  • If you have been prescribed the oral liquid medicine in sachets, the usual dose is one sachet three times a day, reduced when symptoms improve to one sachet twice a day.

• Be aware of the new 'double-strength' medicine for children, especially if you are used to giving the old 'low-strength' children's medicine.

  • The usual dose for a child aged 5-12 years is: 5 ml (250 mg) three times daily.

  • The usual dose for a child aged 2-5 years is: 1.25-2.5 ml (62.5-125 mg) four times daily.

  • Measure your child's dose carefully, using the oral syringe provided.

• Carbocisteine works best when it is taken regularly. Try to take your doses at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses regularly. It is not important whether you take carbocisteine before or after food.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, tómela en cuanto se acuerde, a menos que sea casi la hora de la siguiente, en cuyo caso omita la dosis olvidada. No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar la dosis olvidada.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress, as your doctor will want to check to make sure that carbocisteine is working well for you.

• People with respiratory disease who exercise regularly tend to have improved breathing. Taking a daily walk is a good start if you are not used to exercise. Try to increase the level of your activity over time if you are able.

• If you are overweight it can make breathlessness worse. Ask a dietician to give you advice on healthy eating and how to lose weight.

Can carbocisteine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Side-effects of carbocisteine occur only rarely. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que crea que puede deberse al medicamento, hable con su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store carbocisteine

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos