Carbocisteine
Indications
Carbocisteine is indicated for- Acute
bronchitis, Chronic bronchitis, Bronchial asthma, Upper respiratory
tract inflammation (pharyngitis, laryngitis), Cystic fibrosis
Bronchiectasis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Drainage in chronic sinusitis
and pneumonia, Drainage in otitis media in children.
Pharmacology
Carbocisteine reduces goblet cell
hyperplasia and therefore plays a role in the management of disorders
characterised by abnormal mucous. Carbocisteine loosens thick sputum
effectively by reducing its viscosity and thereby helps to expectorate
that mucus more easily from the respiratory tract. The mucolytic action
happens in several mechanisms. It breaks the disulphide bonds, which
cross-link certain glycoprotein molecules in the mucus, the mucus
produced under the influence of Carbocisteine has high sialomucin and
low fucomucin content. This combined effect ultimately reduces the
viscosity of the sputum and increases its volume.
Dosage & Administration
Adult: Initially, 2.25 g daily in divided doses, then 1.5 g daily in divided doses as condition improves.
Child: 2-5 year: 62.5-125 mg 4 times daily; 6-12 year 250 mg tid.
Should be taken with food.
Child: 2-5 year: 62.5-125 mg 4 times daily; 6-12 year 250 mg tid.
Should be taken with food.
Interaction
Neither hazardous nor therapeutically useful interactions have been reported.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in active peptic ulceration and in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea,
diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding, palpitation, dizziness, headache,
heartburn and skin rash may occur.
Pregnancy & Lactation
There is no information on the use of
Carbocisteine during lactation. While there are no reports of
teratogenic effects, the manufacturers do not recommend the use of
Carbocisteine in the first trimester.
Precautions & Warnings
No specific precaution is recommended but
Carbocisteine should be used with caution in patients with a recent
history of peptic ulcer and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Overdose Effects
Symptoms: GI disturbance.
Management: May perform gastric lavage, followed by observation.
Management: May perform gastric lavage, followed by observation.
Therapeutic Class
Cough expectorants & mucolytics
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool and dry place protected from light.
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