Carbocisteine
About
Carbocisteine is a type of medicine called a mucolytic. A mucolytic helps you cough up phlegm (also called mucus or sputum). It works by making your phlegm less thick and sticky. This can help if you have a condition that affects your lungs, including: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cystic fibrosis Carbocisteine is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules and as a syrup or a liquid that you drink. Carbocisteine will start working straight away but it may take a while for your symptoms to improve. You usually take carbocisteine 3 or 4 times a day. You can take it with or without food. Side effects can include diarrhoea or feeling or being sick. Page last reviewed: 3 March 2023 Next review due: 3 March 2026
Key facts
Carbocisteine will start working straight away but it may take a while for your symptoms to improve.
You usually take carbocisteine 3 or 4 times a day.
You can take it with or without food.
Side effects can include diarrhoea or feeling or being sick.