Carbocisteine 375 mg

[Doggie123-UK]

Hello

I have been prescribed Carbocisteine 375 mg 1 capsule four times a day for quite some time now, I usually take my other meds twice a day (including 1 tablet Carbocisteine 375 mg) and am constantly forgetting to take the other Carbocisteine capsules.

I am pondering whether to try 2 capsules twice a day instead of 1 capsule 4 times a day and I am whether this would be ok.

Any information or advice would be gratefully received

Philip

[Alberta56]

I take 2 Carbocisteine twice a day. You need to explain your problem to your GP and see if he thinks this would work for you.

[Morrison10]

I take 2 carbocisteine 750 mg three times daily, 6 daily total. Don’t have any adverse side effects, help thin mucous. Best regards, Jean x

[Superzob]

Found this online:

“After oral administration, carbocisteine is rapidly absorbed; maximum plasma concentration is reached in two hours. Its bioavailability is low, less than 10% of the administered dose, which is probably due to intraluminal metabolism and a marked liver first pass effect. Elimination half-life is about 2 hours.”

I guess frequent low doses are preferred because of the short half-life - if you take every 12 hours, the available concentration would be only 3% of the peak just before the next dose. This is similar to the effect I get with paracetamol; after 4 hours, I find the analgesic effect has worn off and I need a further dose. If your mucous problem recurs in between two divided doses, you might want to revert to 4 doses a day.

[Chip_y2kuk]

Hi Phillip

As always discuss it with your doctor but my carbocistine prescription is actually 2 tablets x 2 times a day .... increasing to 3 times a day when required (so 4 or 6 tablets a day) .. so yes it's safe to do so .... but 1 4 times a day may be because your at risk of some of the undesirable side effects ..... but you would need to disicss that with your doctor (most tend to be gastric... upset stomach, acid indigestion that sort of thing)

Chip

[PaulineHM]

I take 2 x twice a day and increase to 3 x twice a day when needed.

Go well,

Pauline

[Otto11]

As others have said I take 2 capsules twice a day. That’s what my prescription says.

[SuziElley]

If you use a mobile phone then set an alarm. I have to do this for four separate times in the day otherwise I forget half my medications…..

[Doggie123-UK]

Thank you all for your replies, will contact my GP about this.

Philip

[Karenanne61]

Pharmacists, either in the shop or in your surgery, are usually good with advice re. meds. Easier to speak to than a gp too!

[Doggie123-UK in reply to Karenanne61]

Never thought of that, I have to get my repeat tomorrow so will ask then, thank you

[Karenanne61]

Good luck!

[meicox]

Hi. It depends on. how long a single dose lasts (its half life). I take mine TDS. Wonderful medication.