Carbocisteine

Dyspnea and cough are common symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)[A231169] and other respiratory conditions characterized by increased mucus production. Individuals with COPD have a greater risk of pulmonary infection due to the growth and accumulation of viruses and bacteria in thick bronchial mucus. Carbocisteine is a mucolytic drug that alleviates respiratory symptoms and infections by reducing the viscosity of mucus, allowing it to be expelled.[L32383] Several licenses for this drug were withdrawn following serious and fatal paradoxical effects after carbocisteine therapy in children; respiratory dress, dyspnea, and cough aggravation were reported by physicians in France and Italy.[A230993] Carbocisteine is currently not FDA or Health Canada approved, but is approved for use in Asia, Europe, and South America.