Carbocisteine (also known as Carbocysteine or S-Carboxymethyl-L-Cysteine) is a mucolytic agent with the CAS number 638-23-3. Its molecular formula is C5H9NO4S, with a molecular weight of 163.19 g/mol. This amino acid derivative works by reducing the viscosity of mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to clear through coughing.
Carbocisteine is classified as a thioether mucolytic with notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It has been used clinically for decades to treat various respiratory conditions, from acute infections to chronic diseases.
What Are the Benefits of Carbocisteine?
Carbocisteine offers several therapeutic benefits for patients with respiratory conditions:
1. Mucus Viscosity Reduction
The primary benefit of carbocisteine is its ability to significantly reduce sputum viscosity. This makes mucus less sticky and easier to expel from the airways, relieving congestion and improving breathing comfort.
2. Cough Relief
By thinning mucus, carbocisteine helps reduce cough frequency and severity. Patients experience less irritation and discomfort from persistent coughing.
3. Dyspnea and Fatigue Reduction
Clinical studies have shown that carbocisteine reduces symptoms of dyspnea (shortness of breath) and fatigue in patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
4. Prevention of Pulmonary Infections
Carbocisteine helps prevent pulmonary infections by decreasing accumulated mucus in the respiratory tract. This is particularly beneficial in preventing exacerbations of COPD caused by bacterial infections.
5. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Beyond its mucolytic properties, carbocisteine exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, providing additional therapeutic benefits for respiratory health.
What Are the Uses of Carbocisteine?
Carbocisteine is primarily used in the treatment of respiratory conditions including COPD, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, acute respiratory infections, and asthma.
Safety and Side Effects
Carbocisteine has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. Common side effects include mild gastric discomfort (approximately 1.8% of patients), nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Rare side effects include paradoxical respiratory effects, skin rash, and vomiting. Contraindications include active peptic ulcer disease and known hypersensitivity to carbocisteine.
Chemical Specifications
- CAS Number: 638-23-3
- Molecular Formula: C5H9NO4S
- Molecular Weight: 163.19 g/mol
- IUPAC Name: (2R)-2-Amino-3-(sulfanyl)propanoic acid
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for carbocisteine to work? Patients typically notice improvement within 1-2 weeks of consistent use.
Can carbocisteine be used in children? Yes, but paradoxical respiratory effects have been reported particularly in pediatric patients.
Is carbocisteine safe for long-term use? Clinical data indicates carbocisteine is well-tolerated for long-term use with no significant toxicity.
Why Choose Our Carbocisteine?
We supply high-quality Carbocisteine (CAS 638-23-3) meeting international pharmaceutical standards. Our product is produced under strict quality control, available in various grades, and accompanied by complete documentation including COA and MSDS.
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