Mum 88 and Carbocisteine

[Rowan52]

The doctor gave Mum this liquid today to help the mucus in her chest to be less sticky, she said she feels like she might vomit and I know that, that is a symptom. However if I tell her it will make her feel sick she would avoid it like the plague. I told her it can take up to four weeks to get better is that correct?

[CDreamer]

sorry but I have no idea, best ask your Pharmacist. What I do know is I don’t get rid of the mucous fast I end with pneumonia and AF.

[Bingofox007]

it is generally well tolerated and good at reducing the viscosity of mucus. It won’t induce vomiting but obviously if she has a lot of mucus in her lungs then wretching with coughing to shift it can occur in some people. It will be easier to expectorate the mucus/phlegm once it’s not so thick and sticky. It’s effects aren’t instant as you say.

[Ppiman]

I guess your mum has COPD or similar? I think she should always try to take prescribed medicines as they might help her - giving at least a month or two trial. The thick mucus produced in the airways is nasty stuff and, if the drug will help liquefy and clear it, she might well feel very much better.

Steve

[SuziElley]

I was recently prescribed carbocisteine for COPD. All I can say is, it helped. When you want to cough and clear your lungs and it just sits there it can make you end up almost vomiting. The carbocisteine helped within a few days and the coughing was much easier within about ten days. At least the liquid version doesn’t taste bad! Hope your mother finds it helpful.