Carbocisteine: an effective mucolytic agent
Carbocisteine is a mucolytic drug used to treat diseases of the respiratory system accompanied by copious and viscous bronchial secretions. It can also be used for inflammatory diseases of the middle ear and paranasal sinuses, as well as to prepare the patient for bronchoscopy or bronchography.
Carbocysteine is produced by ICN Galenika from Yugoslavia and is marketed under various trade names such as Bronkatar, Bronchobos, Bronchocod, Drill expectorant, Libexin Muco, Mucodin, Mucopront, Mucosol, Fluifort, Fluvik and Fluditec. The drug is available in several dosage forms, including capsules with a dosage of 375 mg and syrup for children with various concentrations of the active substance.
The main active ingredient of carbocysteine is carbocisteine itself. It has the ability to thin and improve mucus removal, which helps ease breathing and reduce coughing in patients with diseases of the respiratory system.
Like most medications, carbocisteine has some contraindications and side effects. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to the drug, ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired renal function, acute glomerulonephritis, cystitis, pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as children under 1 year of age for syrup and up to 16 years for granules.
Some of the side effects that may occur as a result of taking carbocisteine include nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding and allergic reactions such as skin rash and angioedema.
It is important to note that carbocysteine may interact with other medications. It increases the effectiveness of glucocorticoid and antibacterial therapy for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. In addition, carbocisteine enhances the bronchodilator effect of theophylline. However, its activity may be weakened by interaction with antitussives and atropine-like drugs.
In case of carbocisteine overdose, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain, dizziness and drowsiness may occur. In such cases, it is recommended to stop taking the drug and seek medical help.
The dosage of carbocisteine may vary depending on the age of the patient and the form of the drug. To obtain accurate information about the dosage and mode of use, you should always consult your doctor or follow the instructions included with the drug.
Overall, carbocisteine is an effective mucolytic that helps soften and thin mucus in the respiratory system, improving clearance and relieving symptoms of cough and respiratory tract illness. However, before starting to use carbocisteine, you should always consult with a medical professional to evaluate indications, contraindications, and determine the optimal dosage.