Mucolytic and Antihistamine combination (cough and catarrh medicine)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination medicine containing carbocisteine (which thins and loosens thick mucus in your chest and airways) and promethazine (an antihistamine that helps reduce coughing, sneezing, and allergic symptoms). Together they help you cough up phlegm more easily while calming irritating coughs.
Carbocisteine cleaves disulfide bonds in mucopolysaccharides, reducing mucus viscosity and facilitating clearance, while promethazine blocks H1 histamine receptors to suppress allergic-mediated inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and secretion.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the one you missed and continue as normal. Don't take a double dose to make up for it.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it will make the drowsiness much worse and can be dangerous. Be careful if you are taking sleeping tablets, anxiety medicines, or other antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (Piriton) as the combined drowsiness can be severe. Also inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine for high blood pressure or depression.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Carbocisteine; with your other drugs?
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it on windowsills or in your car. Keep the bottle tightly closed after use. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.