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Carbocisteine counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyRespiratory TherapeuticsCarbocisteine counsellingGPhC CRA

A 70-year-old man with COPD collects a new prescription for a carbocisteine 375 mg capsule, three times daily. He asks what this medication is for and when he should expect to see benefit. What is the most appropriate advice?

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Correct answer: C — Carbocisteine thins mucus and makes it easier to cough up, but may take several weeks to show full benefit

Carbocisteine is a mucolytic that reduces sputum viscosity, making it easier to expectorate. It is used in COPD patients with a chronic productive cough. The BNF advises that treatment should be assessed after four weeks and discontinued if there is no benefit. It is not a bronchodilator, corticosteroid, or antibiotic, and does not suppress cough.

Reference: BNF; NICE NG115 COPD