Carbocisteine Uses, Side Effects, and More

 Carbocisteine

Brand name:- Carbomox, Mucodyne 375mg , Carbicef cap.

Carbocisteine is a mucolytic medication. It thins and loosens mucus (phlegm) in the nose, windpipe and lungs making it easier to cough out.

Pharmacodynamic:- 

Due to its mucolytic effects, carbocisteine significantly reduces sputum viscosity, cough, dyspnea and fatigue.1,2 Additionally, it prevents pulmonary infections by decreasing accumulated mucus in the respiratory tract; this is especially beneficial in preventing exacerbations of COPD caused by bacteria and viruses. It has in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity with some demonstrated action against free radicals.

Mechanism of action:- 

The hypersecretion of mucus characterizes serious respiratory conditions including asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It blocks bacterial adherence to cells, preventing pulmonary infections. Glycoproteins (fucomucins, sialomucins and sulfomucins) regulate the viscoelastic properties of bronchial mucus. Increased fucomucins can be found in the mucus of patients with COPD. Carbocisteine serves to restore equilibrium between sialomucins and fucomucins, likely by intracellular stimulation of sialyl transferase enzyme, thus reducing mucus viscosity.

A study found that L-carbocisteine can inhibit damage to cells by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by activating protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation, suggesting that carbocisteine may have antioxidant effects and prevent apoptosis of lung cells. There is some evidence that carbocisteine suppresses NF-κB and ERK1/2 MAPK signalling pathways, reducing TNF-alpha induced inflammation in the lungs, as well as other inflammatory pathways.An in-vitro study found that L-carbocisteine reduces intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), inhibiting rhinovirus 14 infection, thereby reducing airway inflammation.

Used:-

used in the treatment of respiratory tract disorders associated with viscid mucus.

 Side effects:- 

Facial swelling, Allergic reaction, Breathlessness, Rash, Wheezing.o

Doses:- 

 Orally 250-750 mg TDS .

As  directed by your doctor.