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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM › COUGH AND COLD PREPARATIONS › COUGH SUPPRESSANTS AND EXPECTORANTS, COMBINATIONS › Other cough suppressants and expectorants
cough suppressants and expectorants
R05FB02
Forms & Strengths
- Oral solution 125 mg/5 mL
- Tablets 250 mg
- Tablets 500 mg
- Syrup 125 mg/5 mL
Adult Dosing
- 250‑500 mg orally three times daily (max 1500 mg/day)
- Chronic bronchitis/COPD: 500 mg t.i.d.
- Duration usually 7‑14 days; may be extended for chronic conditions
Pediatric Dosing
- 2‑6 yr: 75 mg orally three times daily
- 6‑12 yr: 125 mg orally three times daily
- >12 yr or ≥30 kg: same as adult dose (250‑500 mg t.i.d.)
- Weight‑based: 10‑15 mg/kg/day divided q8h
Indications
- Mucolytic for chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchiectasis
- Facilitates expectoration in acute upper respiratory tract infections
- Adjunct in sinusitis and post‑operative respiratory secretion clearance
Mechanism of Action
- Reduces disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins, lowering viscosity
- Enhances ciliary transport and mucus clearance
- Modulates inflammatory mediators in airway epithelium
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to carbocisteine
- Severe active peptic ulcer disease
- Acute bronchial asthma with marked hyper‑reactivity (caution)
Adverse Reactions
- Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia
- Diarrhea or abdominal cramping
- Rash, urticaria, pruritus
- Rare hepatotoxicity or elevated transaminases
Drug Interactions
- Antacids (Al/ Mg) may decrease carbocisteine absorption – separate administration by ≥2 h
- Concurrent use with other mucolytics may increase GI irritation
- Caution with warfarin – occasional reports of altered INR
- Potential additive GI toxicity with NSAIDs
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use