Carbocisteine

Carbocisteine, also known as S-carboxymethylcysteine, is a mucolytic medication used to loosen thick, viscous mucus in the respiratory tract. It is a thiol-containing compound that works by breaking disulfide bonds in mucin glycoproteins, reducing mucus viscosity and elasticity to aid expectoration.

Clinical use centers on conditions with excessive or tenacious mucus, such as acute or chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with mucus hypersecretion, and bronchiectasis. It is available in various oral formulations, including syrups, solutions, and tablets, with dosing guided by regional guidelines and product labeling.

Pharmacokinetics of carbocisteine typically involves oral absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, hepatic metabolism, and renal excretion. The onset of symptomatic relief in mucus clearance is usually observed within hours to days, depending on the condition and formulation.

Safety and tolerability provisions note that common adverse effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and altered taste; hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Caution is advised in patients with a history of peptic ulcers or bronchial hyperreactivity. Pregnant or lactating individuals should consult healthcare providers due to limited data on safety in these populations. Potential drug interactions are not well defined, so patients should use carbocisteine under medical guidance.

Regulatory status varies by country, with carbocisteine marketed under several brand names as an over-the-counter or prescription mucolytic, depending on local approval and labeling.