Products
Carbocisteine is commercially available as a syrup (e.g., rhinathiol, co-marketing drugs, generics). In combination with xylometazoline, it is also found in decongestants and nasal drops (Triofan).
Structure and properties
Carbocisteine or -carboxymethylcysteine (C5H9NO4S, Mr = 179.2 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is a carboxymethyl derivative of the natural amino acid L-cysteine without a free thiol group and is also known as carbocysteine. It is related to N-acetylcysteine and is used for similar applications.
Synthesis
Carbocisteine can be synthesized from L-cysteine using chloroacetic acid:
Effects
Carbocisteine (ATC R05CB03) has expectorant (mucolytic) and, according to the literature, additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the viscosity of bronchial mucus, which facilitates expectoration. Carbocisteine has a short half-life in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Indications
For the treatment of respiratory diseases with the formation of viscous secretions:
- Cold cough, cough during influenza.
- Chronic bronchitis, COPD
- Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx)
- Sinusitis
- Tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea)
- Otitis media
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drugs are usually administered three times a day.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Active gastrointestinal ulcer
- Children under 2 years
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Medicines that relieve cough irritation (antitussives) should not be administered concomitantly because this may cause secretion congestion. A large proportion of the dose is excreted unchanged.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include:
