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Palliative cancer care - cough - Management
Therapies to aid expectoration

Age from 16 years onwards
Nebulized 0.9% saline
Sodium chloride 0.9% nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit dose vials
Inhale the contents of one or two nebules (2.5 to 5ml) using the nebulizer up to four times a day when required to relieve coughing.
Supply 40 nebules.
Age: from 16 years onwards
NHS cost: £5.49
Licensed use: no
Start carbocisteine capsules: 750mg three times a day
Carbocisteine 375mg capsules
Take two capsules three times a day.
Supply 42 capsules.
Age: from 16 years onwards
NHS cost: £5.84
Licensed use: yes
Carbocisteine capsules: 750mg twice a day
Carbocisteine 375mg capsules
Take two capsules twice a day.
Supply 30 capsules.
Age: from 16 years onwards
NHS cost: £4.17
Licensed use: yes
Mecysteine tablets: 800mg/day for 2 days, then 600mg/day
Mecysteine 100mg gastro-resistant tablets
Take two tablets four times a day for 2 days, then take two tablets three times a day.
Supply 46 tablets.
Age: from 16 years onwards
NHS cost: £8.42
Licensed use: yes

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