What it is used for
- Thinning sticky mucus in chest conditions (by mouth or inhalation)
- Treating paracetamol overdose (by drip in hospital)
How it is used
- As a mucus thinner: taken by mouth or nebuliser as prescribed
- Drink plenty of fluids to help it loosen mucus
- Overdose treatment is given by drip in hospital only by the medical team
- Your doctor sets the dose and length of treatment
Before and while using it
- After a paracetamol overdose, go to the emergency department at once, even without symptoms
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, as inhaled use can narrow the airways
- Tell your doctor if you have a stomach ulcer
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: National drug formulary 2026, page 93
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.