carbocisteine

Carbocisteine is a mucolytic agent used to reduce the viscosity of sputum, making it easier to cough up and clear from the respiratory tract. It is primarily indicated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and other respiratory conditions characterized by excessive or thick mucus production. Carbocisteine works by modifying the structure of mucus glycoproteins, thereby decreasing their thickness and stickiness. Additionally, it may have antioxidant properties through activation of protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation and can suppress inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling. This drug was first described in 1951 and introduced into medical use in 1960[2][6][7]. It is available as oral capsules or syrup under prescription.

Brand names

Mucodyne

Other names

carbocysteineL-carbocisteine