Mucolytic and Antioxidant Properties of Carbocysteine as a Strategy in COVID-19 Therapy

SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to a heterogenous spectrum of clinical conditions ranging from self-limiting upper airway infection to severe respiratory failure. Carbocysteine is a thioether mucolytic with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Carbocysteine has been shown to have anti-viral effects on human rhinovirus, RSV and the influenza virus as well as interfering with upper airway ciliary motility, the first site of SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to more effective mucus clearance and potential containment of viral spread towards the lower airway. Positive effects, in terms of limiting superimposed bacterial infection and reducing oxidative stress, have also been documented in COPD patients. Accordingly, Carbocysteine should also be considered in both post-exposure prophylaxis and early-phase treatment of COVID-19 in combination with other agents (monoclonal antibodies, antivirals, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and inhaled corticosteroids). In this review, we explored the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of Carbocysteine to delineate its potential therapeutic impact in patients with COVID-19.

Automated summary

Carbocysteine, a mucolytic agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, has shown anti-viral effects on various viruses and can interfere with viral spread in the upper airway. In the treatment of COVID-19, Carbocysteine can be considered for post-exposure prophylaxis and early-phase treatment, in combination with other agents.