Explanation

Carbocisteine (also called Mucodyne) is a medicine to help treat cystic fibrosis.

What does carbocisteine do?

Carbocisteine makes the mucous in your lungs become thinner and more watery so that it's easier for you to cough it up.

Medicines that work in this way are called 'mucolytics'.

What does it look like?

Carbocisteine comes as a yellow capsule that you swallow.

It also comes as a liquid, so you can take this if you find the capsules hard to swallow. The liquid is red and cherry-flavoured, so it doesn't taste horrible!

When do I have to take it?

You need to take your carbocisteine every day.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

When mucous builds up in your lungs, they become just the right sort of place for germs and bacteria to grow.

You need to clear the mucous out of your lungs, so that you are less likely to get an infection, but it's difficult to do this when it's so thick. Carbocisteine helps to keep your lungs clear because it makes the mucous thinner.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your carbocisteine one day, wait until it is time for your next dose and take your normal dose then.

Don't take twice as much the next time to try and make up for your missed dose - remember the three Ds: DON'T DOUBLE DOSE!

If you take too much carbocisteine by accident, tell a doctor immediately.

How much do I take?

How much carbocisteine you take depends on how old you are. If you are aged between 5 and 12, you will probably take 10mls of carbocisteine syrup (liquid), three times a day. Children aged under 5 usually take less than this. The syrup comes with a special measuring cup, so you know that you are taking the right amount.

If you are aged over 12, you will probably take two carbocisteine capsules, three times each day.

Everyone is different though. Your doctor will help you decide the right dose for you.

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

You may be allergic to carbocisteine. Signs of an allergic reaction that you should look out for include a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.

You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you get any of these side effects.

What other side effects might I get?

If you start to get black sticky poo, have blood in your poo, or are sick and have blood in your sick, you should tell your doctor or the person looking after you straight away.

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

Very rarely, if you are allergic to carbocisteine you can go into anaphylaxis.

Is it safe for me to be taking carbocistiene?

If you know you are allergic to carbocisteine, tell your doctor before taking it.

Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue. Tell a doctor immediately if you think you are having an allergic reaction to carbocisteine.

It's also possible you might be allergic to some of the other ingredients in carbocisteine:

Carbocisteine capsules contain a type of sugar called lactose monohydrate and a colouring called E110 sunset yellow

Carbosysteine syrup contains sugar, a type of salt called sodium methyl hydroxybenzoate and a colouring called red ponceau 4R

If you are lactose intolerant or have any food allergies at all, talk to your doctor before taking carbocisteine.

You should also tell your doctor if you have a stomach ulcer. This is a sore inside your digestive system that gives you pain in your stomach . Usually it's only adults who get stomach ulcers though.

Is it ok for me to take carbocisteine if I'm already taking other medicines?

Yes. You can take carbocisteine even if you are taking any other medicines because they don't affect how it works.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with cystic fibrosis in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.