68 Questions
What is the brand name of carbocisteine?
Mucodyne
What is the purpose of a mucolytic like carbocisteine?
To help patients cough up phlegm
How often should you take carbocisteine?
Three or four times a day
What should you tell your doctor before taking carbocisteine?
Your medical history and allergies
What type of patients may not be able to take carbocisteine?
Pregnant women and people with stomach ulcers
What is the usual dose of carbocisteine syrup for adults?
15ml, taken 3 times a day
What is the purpose of the liquid and syrup forms of carbocisteine?
For children or people who have difficulty swallowing pills
When can you expect to see an improvement in your symptoms?
After a few days of taking carbocisteine regularly
What is the main concern of taking carbocisteine during the first trimester of pregnancy?
It may affect the baby's development.
What should you do if you're taking carbocisteine while breastfeeding and your baby has an upset stomach?
Consult your midwife, health visitor, pharmacist, or doctor.
Why is it important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines you're taking with carbocisteine?
To prevent interactions with certain medicines that can cause bleeding or stomach ulcers.
What is the recommended maximum daily dose of paracetamol?
8 tablets in 24 hours.
Why is paracetamol safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Because it has been proven to be safe in recommended doses.
What is the main difference between carbocisteine and paracetamol?
Carbocisteine is a mucolytic, while paracetamol is a painkiller.
What should you do if you're taking herbal remedies or supplements with carbocisteine?
Inform your doctor or pharmacist.
What is the minimum age for taking paracetamol?
16 years old.
Why is it important to check the leaflet that comes with paracetamol?
To see if you can drink alcohol with paracetamol.
What should you do if you take paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol?
Avoid taking paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol to prevent overdose.
What is the recommended dose for children aged 2 to 4 years?
1.25ml to 2.5ml, given 4 times a day
How often should you take the recommended dose of carbocisteine when your symptoms improve?
3 times a day
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of carbocisteine?
Skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time
What is a common side effect of carbocisteine that affects 1 in 10 people?
Diarrhoea
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to carbocisteine?
Call 999 immediately
How long is the usual treatment with carbocisteine?
For life
What should you do if you take more than your prescribed dose of carbocisteine?
Call 111 for advice if you experience symptoms
What is a serious side effect of carbocisteine that is rare?
Blood in the vomit
What should you do if you experience vomiting and an upset stomach after taking too much carbocisteine?
Call 111 for advice
What should you use to measure the right dose of carbocisteine liquid from a bottle?
A plastic syringe or spoon
What is the recommended maximum amount of alcohol to drink per week while taking paracetamol?
14 units
What is the minimum weight requirement for taking the usual dose of paracetamol?
50kg
What is the maximum number of 500mg paracetamol tablets that can be taken in 24 hours?
8 tablets
What is the recommended method of taking paracetamol syrup?
Use the cap of the bottle to measure the dose
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of paracetamol?
Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time
What is the recommended action if you take too much paracetamol?
Contact 111 for advice
What is the recommended way to insert a paracetamol suppository?
Insert the suppository with the pointed end first
How long can you safely take paracetamol for?
For many years, as long as you follow the recommended dose
What is the recommended frequency of taking paracetamol?
Take it every 4 hours
What is the purpose of washing your hands before and after using a paracetamol suppository?
To maintain personal hygiene and prevent infection
What is a sign of a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate action?
Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
What should you do if you're trying to get pregnant and taking betahistine?
Consult a pharmacist or your doctor
Why is betahistine not often recommended during pregnancy?
Because there is not much information on how it might affect the baby
What should you do if you notice your baby having adverse effects while breastfeeding and taking betahistine?
Consult a doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife
What type of medicines can affect betahistine and increase the chance of side effects?
MAO inhibitors for depression or Parkinson's disease
What is recommended if you're breastfeeding and taking betahistine?
Avoid taking betahistine if possible
What should you tell your doctor before taking betahistine?
All other medications you're taking, including herbal remedies and supplements
Why is it important to report any suspected side effects of betahistine?
To report the side effects to the Yellow Card safety scheme
What is not recommended while taking betahistine?
Taking herbal remedies and supplements
What should you do if someone faints and cannot be woken up?
Call 999 immediately
What is the main concern when taking herbal remedies and supplements with paracetamol?
Lack of testing for their effect on paracetamol
What is the primary benefit of taking betahistine for Ménière's disease?
Reducing the frequency of symptoms
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of betahistine?
Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time
Why is it recommended to take betahistine with or after food?
To reduce the risk of stomach upset
What is the usual starting dose of betahistine for adults?
16mg, taken 3 times a day
What is the name of the medicine used to treat Ménière's disease?
Betahistine dihydrochloride
What is the common side effect of betahistine that can be managed by taking the medicine with or after food?
Feeling sick
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to betahistine?
Go to the emergency department
How long does it take to notice an improvement in symptoms when starting betahistine?
A couple of weeks
What should you do if you take more than the prescribed dose of betahistine?
Contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to paracetamol?
Call 999 immediately
What is a common side effect of paracetamol?
None, paracetamol very rarely causes side effects
What should you do if you're worried about a side effect of paracetamol?
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor
What is the purpose of the Yellow Card safety scheme?
To report suspected side effects of paracetamol
Who should not take paracetamol?
All of the above
What should you do if you take 2 different medicines that contain paracetamol?
Stop taking one of the medications
What is a sign of a serious allergic reaction to paracetamol?
All of the above
What should you do if you notice anything unusual while taking paracetamol?
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor
What is the purpose of the leaflet inside your medicine packet?
To provide a full list of paracetamol side effects
Can you take paracetamol with other types of painkillers?
Yes, but only with painkillers that do not contain paracetamol
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.
Learn how carbocisteine, a mucolytic, treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis, and its effects on phlegm.
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