Carbocisteine 375mg

[Morrison10]

I’ve been taking 4 daily of this medication for several years. However last couple of weeks I’m coughing lot and not always able to get up mucus, including after using Aerobika. My physiotherapist says when she listens to chest there are more noises than used to be. The product leaflet says two capsules three times per day, including elderly. I’m wondering whether to increase doses to 6 per day and see if makes difference. Does anybody have experience of this dose. I’m still on one daily of Azithromycin. Thanks Jean x

[Bevvy]

If this new symptom is only a couple of weeks old then personally I would be going back to gp to check you’ve not got/had a chest infection of some sort. In fact I would have spoken to gp at first sign of a change and maybe started my rescue medication.

If gp agrees that this change is not due to a flare up then speak to them about increasing dosage. I wouldn’t recommend changing dosage until you’ve had medical advice.

Hope you get some answers soon.

[Morrison10 in reply to Bevvy]

Thanks, don’t see my GP about this, will have to try speak to my consultant. Thought would be useful if anyone on HU had experience of it. Jean x

[Chip_y2kuk]

Be warned (I was) that carbocistine can cause reflux and taking 6 capsules a day (they tell me this is the maximum dose) is more likely to cause reflux

[Morrison10 in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

oh thanks, will definitely have to speak to my consultant before increase dose, it’s probably why I’m only on 2 twice daily. Jean x

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to Morrison10]

I think its pretty normal to start on 6 and end up on 4 a day ... I did but I also increase as and when I'm struggling to cough stuff up ..... but that's normal for me (i have large airway collapse as well as asthma)

[Morrison10 in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Because of my PCD and don’t function like most people think I better be cautious! I have a partly collapsed lung resting on other lung. Thanks for your help. Jean x

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to Morrison10]

Yeah, it's probably better to be super cautious wouldn't want to try and help yourself and make yourself sicker

[Oshgosh in reply to Morrison10]

given your lung health I think you do well tobe cautious .

Your comment about your body not functioning like others really struck a chord with me.

I hope things improve for you xx

[oooodicky in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

my dr prescribed two carboscistien four times a day an I don’t have reflux hope you find something better.

[Cak3y50 in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

I have been given a new medication which consists of one effervescent tablet per day to reduce mucus. The medication is called Nacsys and I have had a good improvement in the amount if mucus my lungs make. I am 72 I would certainly recommend you speak to someone about this. Good luck

[peege]

When first px Carbocysteine i was quite poorly and it was 2 capsules 3 x daily ie every 8 hour for a few months. That was 2013, when things were under control I was advised to go down to 2 capsules 2 x daily ie every 12 hours. It's been fine for years apart from during occasional exacerbation or infection when I might go back up to 3 x daily for a few days to help loosen mucus. Are you affected by pollen perhaps, drinking less water or picked up a bug? All those cause me to cough more. Hope it improves soon

[Morrison10 in reply to peege]

Hi, don’t think it’s pollen, and I’m trying drink plenty water. If have bug hopefully the daily dose of Azithromycin will clear it, and if need be can change to Ciprofloxacin that I keep as my rescue pack. Fingers crossed! Thanks for all help. Jean x

[Minehead123]

Hi Jean yes I've been on carbocisteine since 2015 when I was admitted to hospital with empyema. I take 2 three times a day which is a normal dose ever since and couldn't do without them now.

[Patk1]

I occasionally reduce to 2 or increase to 6. Hope it loosens it for u x

[B0xermad]

Hi I used to take 2 tablets x 3 daily doses 2014 -2019 and coughing more so dr reducing to 1 tablets 3x a day but now I am on nacsys 600mg effervescent tablets once a day in water and hardly cough .I also use acapella device and take azithromycin 3 x a week

[Sipolilo]

I would ask my pharmacist for a syrup of another sort to assist with the phlegm. I think "something " is going around as I have been battling to break much more than usual phlegm and my 2 bbf's who do not have any lung condition, are also battling to clear throat, all day.

[Nula2]

Hi Jean 🙋‍♀️. I was on 1 tablet 3 times a day but about 18 months ago specialist changed it to 2tablets 3 times a day to help with clearance/breathing. Was nervous at first to take that many but think it does help and for me it hasn't changed the side effects which in my case are just a slightly loose tummy! Take care xxx

[Alberta56]

Hope you can get to see your GP/ consultant soon. This needs checking out. xxx

[_9carole]

Hi I am on 2 tablets 3 times a day. I occasionally struggle. I am also on Azithromycin Monday Wednesday and Friday. This helps to keep it at bay. I noticed you said Azithromycin every day? Better double check

[colourpassion in reply to _9carole]

I am also on Az every day, new drug to me and Dr gave me a choice of daily or 3xweek, i assumed the dose is adjusted accordingly?

[Morrison10 in reply to colourpassion]

I’m on Azithromycin one per day, and if have problem can leave off and start Ciprofloxacin that I keep in hand.

[Izb1]

Try some Vicks in hot water and breathe in with towel over your head, this old fashioned remedy will help losen the mucus until you can get things sorted. I wouldn't be increasing the dose unless advised x

[Lee_Scoresby]

I’m only on carbocictrine but the same dose as you. I’ve had more coughing than normal this last month (about double). I live in a rural area and have put it down to pollen count, which is high/very high.

[nanasharp8]

Hello Jean ,I've been taking 6 a day for the last 8/9 years ,without any side effects or problems of any description also I take a medication called Montalucust ? spelling could be out a little off , both medications do roughly the same job. I was diagnosed with copd originally but that was wrongly diagnosed , my lungs are both clear but they've recently found something going on in my throat that causes my lungs to conjest so chest infections are common. Without medications I'd never be able to cough the phlegm n mucus up . I cannot go without mentioning fluids . It's vital you keep me your fluid levels , I try to drink at least 4 to 6 pints per day ,this includes coffee/tea ,mostly plain filtered water. Hydration is key, it help to keep everything loose. I know it's hard to do but little and often soon add up . Good luck 👍sorry , please talk to your consultant about any changes ,they know you best . Xx

[Morrison10]

Hi, thanks to everyone for suggestions etc. I’m hoping to be able to speak to my consultant secretary on Tuesday and ask if can speak to consultant or get her answer re increasing Carbocisteine. My problem is that with PCD my little cilia that are suppose to wave about don’t do so. I’m having difficulty at times eating and taking tablets because of coughing. It’s no use speaking to doctor, they don’t understand PCD, haven’t been able to speak to her for two years. Will post on here when know what’s happening.

[Seapop-in20]

Hi I am on two tablets three times a day. I use nebuliser twice a day too. I cannot always bring phlemn up but try the huffing method as this can help. If you have any colour in phlemn let your consultant know it coukd be an infection. I have no reflux - if you have you can take Medication for it. It’s more important to clear your lungs. Hope this helps

[Timberman]

I take the same dosage as you. It seems to work but who knows really? Can we find out by stopping? I think not. I believe the maximum dosage is six per day - 2x3 or 2x2x2. But I would talk to your clinician - not the physio who is limited in skill set - since the change in symptoms is fairly new. Your noisy chest is indicative of a possible infection I suggest but you are on a suitable anti-biotic already although your dosage is not stated.

nhs.uk/medicines/azithromyc...

[19909noVeD]

I was prescribed 2 ,3×daily.I found them too harsh.doc said ,one 3x a day which was better for me.

[Osha]

have always used 6 per day and found it so helpful, but since having a severe infection sputum is so much thicker and carbo not so helpful

[Matt6096]

hi, I’ve been taking Carbocisteine for years, 4 for many years but my clearance became difficult so was increased by consultant to 6 a day some years ago now. The clearance became easier and has caused no side effects, reflux or other.

I hope this experience assists in your dilemma.

[Morrison10 in reply to Matt6096]

thanks, interesting, pleased 6 daily caused no side effects, reflex etc. Will try speak Consultant secretary Tuesday x

[Montymomo]

take 2x3 times a day. I do for the last 3 years. I find that it really helps. ps went for a body scan a couple of weeks ago. The results was you might have copd ??? Ps take vitamin d daily. Doctors put me on trelegy one puff daily I think it helps me. Ps I am 71 years old. If that’s makes any difference

[Morrison10 in reply to Montymomo]

Hi, thanks for response. I will be 88 in July, take 1 vitaminD tablet daily. Will try to speak to my consultant Tuesday unless I get more issues with Carbocisteine before than, and may increase dose to 6 daily.

[MyMystery]

I have been on same meds as you for 3 years. The carbocisteine does not necessarily control all mucus. I see another person has replied to you saying it could be a flare-up and I would agree with them. Interestingly, as I say, I have been on the meds for 3 years and last November I had an infective flare-up and had to be hospitalised and until the results of my sputum came back from the lab I was on IV antibiotics for 6 days then discharged with oral antibiotics for further few days - the interesting thing is that since then I have had little cough (used to be bad) and not very productive. I have had no explanation for this change except that maybe I had an underlying infection - for 3 years?!!

[Stoneferry8]

I take carbocisteine at dosage of 2 caps twice daily. Doc says if mucus not moving up dose to 3 caps twice daily until mucus moves, then go back to 2caps twice daily.

[Stoneferry8]

you have to remember that with carbocisteine, that it needs you to drink a good amount of water to help your lungs make it work efficiently.

[Morrison10 in reply to Stoneferry8]

yes I drink lot, keep bottles of squash by chair for when glass empty, saves having to get up. Spoke to consultants secretary today, consultant agreed I should increase dose to maximum and am now taking 6 Carbocisteine daily. I will report if it’s beneficial. Jean x