advice on carbocisteine capsules

[Polly44]

Hi I have prescribed carbocisteine capsule 375ml 1 capsule, 4 times a day. The chemist said to take them every 6 hours, but i would rather not wake up in the early hours to take one if possible, what do other people do please?. Also can you drink on these ? (with Christmas next week i was hoping to have some of my favorite drinks over Christmas that i treat myself Christmas to some malibu and ameretto, just wondering if i can only have a couple (i don't do a couple normally ha ha). Nhs website says its fine to drink on them the chemist said in moderation, so how many is moderation ha ha ? . The doctor wanted to see how i am on these in a weeks time, but am thinking as I have been given a months worth, and if they help surely I will be taking long term (producing thick mucus all the time) so hence thought i would see how often others take this and whether anyone does like 4 hours or 8 hours over night to fit the 4 a day in each day ?. thanks for any advice

[Lotti_321-]

When I started them my consultant told me to take 2 tablets 3 times a day for two weeks then reduce to 2 tablets twice a day. He said to do this so they build up in my system. I’ve never heard of them saying 4 times a day (I’m not questioning the dosage, just saying I’ve not heard it). I remember my consultant saying at least 2-3 weeks to see any change,In terms of alcohol, it’s never impacted. I sometimes drink have a few drinks & it’s never affected me but that is my personal experiences.

[Polly44 in reply to Lotti_321-]

Hi lotti thanks for that , ok just realised what i wrote doh ha ha, so is same amount as you and emma take (althought u both had extra doses to start with but went down to the same as me which is still the 1500 total in a day eh. Just checked the box again and thats what it says 1x 375 4 times a day :-/. its a pain cos harder to fit in, I have stayed awake till midnight to be able to get 2 doses in today ha ha, but wish it was 3 a day even, so maybe till speak to doc i will try do 6am-12- 6- 12 etc . If on these in the long term its a pain to always have to clock watch them. I am supposed to check in with doc in a week, so if they help maybe i will ask about changing to 2 tablets twice a day instead eh. thanks for info.

[Lotti_321- in reply to Polly44]

Makes sense to follow what’s on the script. I’d just ask the question when you check in with the dr to see about making the medication work for you not just from efficiency but also from impact on life e.g. not having to wake up to take tablets

[Polly44 in reply to Lotti_321-]

Yeah definitely , sorry one last question did you get slight heartburn to start with. Had that warm feeling in base my throat like you get Cos stomach acid etc since last night after second tablet and today.

[Lotti_321- in reply to Polly44]

I didn’t. But my consultant did warn me to start with that they can irritate your stomach

[derinajane in reply to Polly44]

Hi I have been on 2 capsules 3 times a day for years and they definitely give me heartburn.

[Polly44 in reply to derinajane]

Hi, I am honestly wondering if its worth taking these in the long term, I have still got a wheeze, yes helps bring it up easier but then now got the heartburn to, when doctor gave them to me i thought they dried up mucus not just helped to bring it up. Also I don't want to add another drug to take forever lol. When she said will give them to me for a week then speak to me i thought it was like a course of tablets than long term thing. Im really wary about taking new stuff anyway and not even seeing a doctor or consultant since before covid makes me even more scared trying new things. I already have stomach issues am on omprozole without this one now giving me heartburn. So im assuming the heartburn didnt stop for you then ? I know sometimes things pass more time u are on the meds. thanks for you reply.

[Js706 in reply to Polly44]

If it’s a concern for you I don’t think carbocisteine is necessarily something that you need to be on long term, especially if heartburn from it is a problem.

I’m on it long term and don’t have any heartburn issues but I believe @EmmaF91 just has occasional courses of carbocisteine if she’s got an infection brewing or something to try and help clear things (sorry if she’s already said this somewhere on this thread!)

[Polly44 in reply to Js706]

Hi I suppose I’m thinking as I daily have a strong wheeze on and off most days , and can feel the mucus oh my chest I thought it would be an ongoing long term I take, rather than I course now and again. I asked the doctor would it dry the mucus up she replied yes. As far as I can tell it only loosens it. Which I know is better than nothing was just hoping it was something to actually stop the mucus and in covid times nervous taking new drug long term.

[derinajane in reply to Polly44]

Hi No unfortunately for me it has got worse. I live on Rennies and Gaviscon. But saying that I find the Carbocisteine really helps my lung condition so will put up with the heartburn for now. Although I am going to bring it up at my next appointment, if and when that happens!

[Polly44 in reply to derinajane]

ahh not good, I wonder if Omeprazole might help you, I took them before these and can still feel heart burn a little but its more than managable. I just don't know for me these are really worth taking or i even want to be on another drug forever more. Im stopping them from today and seeing how i go then will talk to doc and talk it thought with her. I have had a temp for the last 4 days which went up to 39.1 last night at best went down to 37.4 even with paracetmol. 38.9 early hours of the morning (taking paracetmol every 4 hours) first time earlier it went to normal temp then back up to 37.7 (just glad its under 38 at least, honestly wondered if could be these tablets but know im kidding myself, partner has cough last 10 days (doctor told him days ago souded like stomach issues making him cough as he was burping alot, but now ive got this temp ive booked a test its coming sunday. (ironically if it is covid ive not left the house since september , my partner has literally gone out twice in the last month (work from home business has gone down pan since covid) so be ironic if he has caught it one time going out saturday before last ha ha.

[derinajane in reply to Polly44]

Hi yes I do have Lansoprazole as well but like you I am trying to avoid constantly taking medication!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Like Lotti I was given the same advice. 750mg per dose so 2 x 375mg. Initially it was 3 doses a day then went down to 2. I’m not sure what dose you’re currently on or why they have you on 375 4 times a day (never heard of anyone on that regime) so it may be worth double checking the dose with the doc.

Alcohol wise a few drinks should be fine, tho maybe avoid getting bladdered 😉.

You’ve probably seen this already but the NHS webpage but in case you haven’t; nhs.uk/medicines/carbociste...

Hope this helps

[Polly44 in reply to EmmaF91]

Hi Emma Just realised you and Lottie are on the same amount , after the initial extra doses you both started on eh. 1500 a day today just mine are broke up into 4 times a day and is more of a pain in the butt, I will ask the doctor after i check in with her in a weeks time if can change it to 2 capsules twice a day, but thats what she wrote for script and says on the box so will take it as that for the next week at least, and ha ha I will bear that in mind thanks

[GarryS]

I was told 3 times daily but I take twice because carrying a capsule around for lunchtime was a nuisance (often lost it!). It has helped. Mucus is thinner and easier to cough up now.

[Polly44 in reply to GarryS]

assuming you are taking 2 capsules Garry , I seem to be the only one given it to take one capsule 4 times a day, its a blooming pain already ha ha.

[GarryS in reply to Polly44]

Now I'm retired I'm going to go back to 3 - my coughing has worstened. The capsule has made it easier to cough up the muck in my lùngs.

[Polly44 in reply to GarryS]

I can see already they seem to work for sure, but im iffy about being on these forever , cant see its a short term thing eh, Im glad they are helping you Garry

[teddyd]

I take 4 or 6 per day ( depending on my health at the time. Two breakfast lunch and bedtime. I miss out lunchtime one when only taking 4.

[Polly44 in reply to teddyd]

thanks , I will have a word with my doctor going forward cos it seems most people are taking 2 capsules 2 or 3 times a day, when mine is 1 capsule 4 times a day, harder to fit in 4 lots without staying up late and getting up early every single day.

[Poppins23 in reply to teddyd]

I do the same. Started on 2 x 3 times a day and reduced to twice a day. When I feel I need to I up the dose. It seems to have worked for me so far

[Denise2712]

Hi I’m Carol been on carbocisteine for 18 month take 2 in morning& 2 at t/ time it’s to get the helm off your chest they have worked for me I have Asthma& COPD also lymphoma and I feel fine.hope thishelps

[Polly44 in reply to Denise2712]

Hi carol everyone else seems to be on these 2 tablets twice a day but me , i will defo talk to doctor if i carry on with these. thanks for your reply

[Denise2712 in reply to Polly44]

Your welcome

[shirl13]

I have been on these for over 4 years and was told to take 2 twice a day. I take 2 of a morning and 2 at tea time. Hope this helps