Clinical Efficacy of Carbocysteine in COPD: Beyond the Mucolytic Action

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease with a versatile and complicated profile, being the fourth most common single cause of death worldwide. Several research groups have been trying to identify possible therapeutic approaches to treat COPD, such as the use of mucoactive drugs, which include carbocysteine. However, their role in the treatment of patients suffering from COPD remains controversial due to COPD's multifaceted profile. In the present review, 72 articles, published in peer-reviewed journals with high impact factors, are analyzed in order to provide significant insight and increase the knowledge about COPD considering the important contribution of carbocysteine in reducing exacerbations via multiple mechanisms. Carbocysteine is in fact able to modulate mucins and ciliary functions, and to counteract viral and bacterial infections as well as oxidative stress, offering cytoprotective effects. Furthermore, carbocysteine improves steroid responsiveness and exerts anti-inflammatory activity. This analysis demonstrates that the use of carbocysteine in COPD patients represents a well-tolerated treatment with a favorable safety profile, and might contribute to a better quality of life for patients suffering from this serious illness.