Dosage and strength
Carbocisteine usually comes as capsules.
It also comes as a liquid (oral solution) and as a syrup. These types are for children or people who find it difficult to swallow pills. Some solutions should only be taken by adults due to the alcohol content.
The liquid and syrup come in bottles containing 250mg of carbocisteine in 5ml. The liquid also comes in sachets containing 750mg of carbocisteine in 10ml.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which type will be best for you or your child.
The usual dose for adults is:
- capsules – two 375mg capsules, taken 3 times a day. When your symptoms improve, your doctor may recommend one 375mg capsule, taken 4 times a day
- syrup – 15ml, taken 3 times a day. When your symptoms improve, your doctor may recommend 10ml, taken 3 times a day
- liquid in sachets – 1 sachet, taken 3 times a day. When your symptoms improve, your doctor may recommend 1 sachet taken twice a day
- liquid in bottles – 15ml, taken 3 times a day. When your symptoms improve, your doctor may recommend 10ml taken 3 times a day
The usual dose for children is:
- 2 to 4 years – 1.25ml to 2.5ml of syrup or liquid from a bottle, given 4 times a day
- 5 to 11 years – 5ml of syrup or liquid from a bottle, given 3 times a day
- 12 to 17 years – 15ml of syrup or liquid from a bottle, given 3 times a day. When your symptoms improve, your doctor may recommend 10ml, taken 3 times a day
How to take it
You can take carbocisteine with or without food.
Swallow carbocisteine capsules whole.
The liquid in a bottle and the syrup will both come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
How long to take it for
Usually, treatment with carbocisteine is for life.
However, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it if carbocisteine does not seem to be helping your symptoms after a month or so.
If you forget to take it
If you forget a dose of carbocisteine, take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is due in less than 2 hours. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking too much carbocisteine is unlikely to harm you or your child. In most cases you will not have any symptoms.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice if:
you take more than your prescribed dose of carbocisteine and you:
- have an upset stomach
- are vomiting
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Call 111 if you're asking about a child under the age of 5 years.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the carbocisteine packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.