Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the brand name of carbocisteine?
What is the brand name of carbocisteine?
- Cystic Fibrosis Medicine
- COPD Treatment
- Mucodyne (correct)
- Phlegm Breaker
What is the purpose of a mucolytic like carbocisteine?
What is the purpose of a mucolytic like carbocisteine?
- To reduce fever
- To reduce inflammation in the lungs
- To help patients cough up phlegm (correct)
- To relieve pain in the chest
How often should you take carbocisteine?
How often should you take carbocisteine?
- Three or four times a day (correct)
- Five times a day
- Twice a day
- Once a day
What should you tell your doctor before taking carbocisteine?
What should you tell your doctor before taking carbocisteine?
What type of patients may not be able to take carbocisteine?
What type of patients may not be able to take carbocisteine?
What is the usual dose of carbocisteine syrup for adults?
What is the usual dose of carbocisteine syrup for adults?
What is the purpose of the liquid and syrup forms of carbocisteine?
What is the purpose of the liquid and syrup forms of carbocisteine?
When can you expect to see an improvement in your symptoms?
When can you expect to see an improvement in your symptoms?
What is the main concern of taking carbocisteine during the first trimester of pregnancy?
What is the main concern of taking carbocisteine during the first trimester of pregnancy?
What should you do if you're taking carbocisteine while breastfeeding and your baby has an upset stomach?
What should you do if you're taking carbocisteine while breastfeeding and your baby has an upset stomach?
Why is it important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines you're taking with carbocisteine?
Why is it important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines you're taking with carbocisteine?
What is the recommended maximum daily dose of paracetamol?
What is the recommended maximum daily dose of paracetamol?
Why is paracetamol safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Why is paracetamol safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
What is the main difference between carbocisteine and paracetamol?
What is the main difference between carbocisteine and paracetamol?
What should you do if you're taking herbal remedies or supplements with carbocisteine?
What should you do if you're taking herbal remedies or supplements with carbocisteine?
What is the minimum age for taking paracetamol?
What is the minimum age for taking paracetamol?
Why is it important to check the leaflet that comes with paracetamol?
Why is it important to check the leaflet that comes with paracetamol?
What should you do if you take paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol?
What should you do if you take paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol?
What is the recommended dose for children aged 2 to 4 years?
What is the recommended dose for children aged 2 to 4 years?
How often should you take the recommended dose of carbocisteine when your symptoms improve?
How often should you take the recommended dose of carbocisteine when your symptoms improve?
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of carbocisteine?
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of carbocisteine?
What is a common side effect of carbocisteine that affects 1 in 10 people?
What is a common side effect of carbocisteine that affects 1 in 10 people?
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to carbocisteine?
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to carbocisteine?
How long is the usual treatment with carbocisteine?
How long is the usual treatment with carbocisteine?
What should you do if you take more than your prescribed dose of carbocisteine?
What should you do if you take more than your prescribed dose of carbocisteine?
What is a serious side effect of carbocisteine that is rare?
What is a serious side effect of carbocisteine that is rare?
What should you do if you experience vomiting and an upset stomach after taking too much carbocisteine?
What should you do if you experience vomiting and an upset stomach after taking too much carbocisteine?
What should you use to measure the right dose of carbocisteine liquid from a bottle?
What should you use to measure the right dose of carbocisteine liquid from a bottle?
What is the recommended maximum amount of alcohol to drink per week while taking paracetamol?
What is the recommended maximum amount of alcohol to drink per week while taking paracetamol?
What is the minimum weight requirement for taking the usual dose of paracetamol?
What is the minimum weight requirement for taking the usual dose of paracetamol?
What is the maximum number of 500mg paracetamol tablets that can be taken in 24 hours?
What is the maximum number of 500mg paracetamol tablets that can be taken in 24 hours?
What is the recommended method of taking paracetamol syrup?
What is the recommended method of taking paracetamol syrup?
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of paracetamol?
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of paracetamol?
What is the recommended action if you take too much paracetamol?
What is the recommended action if you take too much paracetamol?
What is the recommended way to insert a paracetamol suppository?
What is the recommended way to insert a paracetamol suppository?
How long can you safely take paracetamol for?
How long can you safely take paracetamol for?
What is the recommended frequency of taking paracetamol?
What is the recommended frequency of taking paracetamol?
What is the purpose of washing your hands before and after using a paracetamol suppository?
What is the purpose of washing your hands before and after using a paracetamol suppository?
What is a sign of a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate action?
What is a sign of a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate action?
What should you do if you're trying to get pregnant and taking betahistine?
What should you do if you're trying to get pregnant and taking betahistine?
Why is betahistine not often recommended during pregnancy?
Why is betahistine not often recommended during pregnancy?
What should you do if you notice your baby having adverse effects while breastfeeding and taking betahistine?
What should you do if you notice your baby having adverse effects while breastfeeding and taking betahistine?
What type of medicines can affect betahistine and increase the chance of side effects?
What type of medicines can affect betahistine and increase the chance of side effects?
What is recommended if you're breastfeeding and taking betahistine?
What is recommended if you're breastfeeding and taking betahistine?
What should you tell your doctor before taking betahistine?
What should you tell your doctor before taking betahistine?
Why is it important to report any suspected side effects of betahistine?
Why is it important to report any suspected side effects of betahistine?
What is not recommended while taking betahistine?
What is not recommended while taking betahistine?
What should you do if someone faints and cannot be woken up?
What should you do if someone faints and cannot be woken up?
What is the main concern when taking herbal remedies and supplements with paracetamol?
What is the main concern when taking herbal remedies and supplements with paracetamol?
What is the primary benefit of taking betahistine for Ménière's disease?
What is the primary benefit of taking betahistine for Ménière's disease?
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of betahistine?
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of betahistine?
Why is it recommended to take betahistine with or after food?
Why is it recommended to take betahistine with or after food?
What is the usual starting dose of betahistine for adults?
What is the usual starting dose of betahistine for adults?
What is the name of the medicine used to treat Ménière's disease?
What is the name of the medicine used to treat Ménière's disease?
What is the common side effect of betahistine that can be managed by taking the medicine with or after food?
What is the common side effect of betahistine that can be managed by taking the medicine with or after food?
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to betahistine?
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to betahistine?
How long does it take to notice an improvement in symptoms when starting betahistine?
How long does it take to notice an improvement in symptoms when starting betahistine?
What should you do if you take more than the prescribed dose of betahistine?
What should you do if you take more than the prescribed dose of betahistine?
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to paracetamol?
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to paracetamol?
What is a common side effect of paracetamol?
What is a common side effect of paracetamol?
What should you do if you're worried about a side effect of paracetamol?
What should you do if you're worried about a side effect of paracetamol?
What is the purpose of the Yellow Card safety scheme?
What is the purpose of the Yellow Card safety scheme?
Who should not take paracetamol?
Who should not take paracetamol?
What should you do if you take 2 different medicines that contain paracetamol?
What should you do if you take 2 different medicines that contain paracetamol?
What is a sign of a serious allergic reaction to paracetamol?
What is a sign of a serious allergic reaction to paracetamol?
What should you do if you notice anything unusual while taking paracetamol?
What should you do if you notice anything unusual while taking paracetamol?
What is the purpose of the leaflet inside your medicine packet?
What is the purpose of the leaflet inside your medicine packet?
Can you take paracetamol with other types of painkillers?
Can you take paracetamol with other types of painkillers?
Study Notes
Carbocisteine
- Brand name: Mucodyne
- Type of medicine: Mucolytic
- Helps to cough up phlegm (mucus or sputum) by making it less thick and sticky
- Used to treat:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
Dosage and Strength
- Available in capsules, syrup, and liquid forms
- Capsules: 375mg, taken 3-4 times a day
- Syrup: 250mg/5ml, taken 3 times a day
- Liquid: 250mg/5ml or 750mg/10ml, taken 3 times a day
- Dose adjustments may be needed based on age and symptoms
How to Take
- Can be taken with or without food
- Swallow capsules whole
- Use a measuring syringe or spoon to measure the correct dose of syrup or liquid
Side Effects
- Common: diarrhoea, feeling sick
- Serious: blood in vomit, black and tarry stools, serious allergic reaction
- Rare: anaemia, skin rash, blood disorders
Precautions
- Not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy
- Breastfeeding: may be used if the baby is healthy, but monitor for side effects
- Fertility: no evidence of affecting fertility
- Interactions with other medicines: may increase risk of bleeding with antiplatelet medicines, NSAIDs, and steroids
Paracetamol
- Brand names: Disprol, Hedex, Medinol, Panadol
- Type of medicine: Painkiller and fever reducer
- Available in tablet, capsule, syrup, powder, and suppository forms
- Used to treat:
- Aches and pain
- Reduce high temperature
Dosage and Strength
- Tablets: 500mg or 1g
- Capsules: 500mg
- Syrup: 120mg, 250mg, or 500mg in 5ml
- Powder: 1 sachet (unknown strength)
- Suppositories: 60mg to 1g
How to Take
- Tablets or capsules: swallow with water, with or without food
- Syrup: use a measuring spoon or syringe to measure the correct dose
- Powder: mix with water to create a drink
- Suppositories: gently push into the anus, with the pointed end first
Side Effects
- Common: none
- Serious: allergic reaction, liver damage
- Rare: blood disorders, skin rash
Precautions
- Not recommended for people with liver or kidney problems
- Not suitable for people who regularly drink more than the maximum recommended amount of alcohol
- Interactions with other medicines: may increase risk of bleeding with antiplatelet medicines, NSAIDs, and steroids
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safe to use, but consult a doctor or pharmacist
Betahistine
- Brand name: not specified
- Type of medicine: Used to treat Ménière's disease
- Available in tablet form
- Used to treat:
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Loss of hearing
- Nausea
Dosage and Strength
- Tablets: 8mg or 16mg
- Usual starting dose: 16mg, taken 3 times a day
- Adjustments may be made based on symptoms
How to Take
- Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water
- Take after a meal to reduce stomach upset
Side Effects
- Common: headache, feeling sick, indigestion
- Serious: allergic reaction, stomach ulcer
- Rare: asthma
Precautions
- Not recommended for people with:
- High blood pressure due to an adrenal tumour
- Stomach ulcer
- Asthma
- Interactions with other medicines: not specified### Missed Dose
- Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time if you forget to take a dose of betahistine.
- Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
- Taking too much betahistine can cause nausea, sleepiness, or stomach ache.
- If you take more than your prescribed dose, contact 111 for advice.
Side Effects
- Common side effects include nausea, indigestion, bloating, stomach ache, and headache.
- These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
- Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the side effects persist or worsen.
Serious Allergic Reaction
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction include swollen lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and confusion.
- Call 999 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Betahistine is not recommended during pregnancy due to lack of information on its effects on the baby.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor for alternative treatment options.
Fertility
- There is no evidence that betahistine affects fertility in men or women.
Interactions with Other Medicines
- Inform your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking MAO inhibitors, antihistamines, or any other medications.
- Mixing betahistine with herbal remedies and supplements is not well-studied and may not be safe.
General Safety
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all medications, including herbal remedies and supplements, to ensure safe treatment.
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Description
Learn how carbocisteine, a mucolytic, treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis, and its effects on phlegm.
