About this information
This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Carbocisteine is a type of medicine called a mucolytic.
A mucolytic helps you cough up phlegm (also called mucus or sputum). It works by making your phlegm less thick and sticky.
This can help if you have a condition that affects your lungs, including:
Carbocisteine is only available on prescription.
It comes as capsules and as a syrup or a liquid that you drink.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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