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Indication
Mucolytic
RAG rating
Green
Document type
Decision document
Place
Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
Output type
Pharmacy / Prescribing

Carbocisteine 250mg/5ml oral solution

HERTFORDSHIRE AND WEST ESSEX AREA PRESCRIBING COMMITTEE (HWE APC) 

Carbocisteine as a mucolytic for adult patients for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases

GREEN

Recommended for prescribing in Primary, Community, Secondary and Tertiary care. 

Name generic (trade):

Carbocisteine 250mg/5ml oral solution

What it is:

Mucolytic in respiratory disorders

Indication:

Licensed for adults as a mucolytic agent for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases in which a reduction in bronchial secretion viscosity is required to facilitate expectoration.

Date decision last revised:

October 2025

HWE APC recommendation:

Carbocisteine 250mg/5ml oral solution is recommended 2nd line for patients with swallowing difficulties or with enteral feeding tubes if acetylcysteine 600mg effervescent tablets are unsuitable.

See HWE COPD care and treatment guidelines for further details link

 

The RAG status of this medication is GREEN – i.e. recommended for prescribing in Primary, Community, Secondary and Tertiary care.

Version number
1.0
Developed by
Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation Team, Hertfordshire and West Essex (HWE) ICB with relevant HWE ICS stakeholders.
Approved by
Hertfordshire & West Essex Area Prescribing Committee
Date approved / updated
October 2025
Review date
This HWE APC recommendation is based upon the evidence available at the time of publication. This recommendation will be reviewed upon request in the light of new evidence becoming available.
Superseded version
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