Expectorant

Carbocisteine (Mucodyne)

L-carbocisteine · ムコダイン · ムコダインDS

Carbocisteine is the other mucolytic Japanese doctors prescribe almost reflexively for colds, especially to children, and it is in many drugstore cough remedies. It is not available in the US.

Reviewed by pharmacist Saya Yamaguchi
At a glance
Prescription status
Prescription and OTC
Over the counter
Class 2
Bringing it into Japan
✓ 1 month Rx / 2 months OTC
Names abroad
Mucodyne · 리나치올

Over the counter

OTC in cough-and-phlegm products (Class 2); prescription Mucodyne is routine for colds, sinusitis and middle-ear fluid in children.

Finding it in a Japanese drugstore
Look for this on the package
カルボシステイン（ムコダイン）
L-carbocisteine
Common product names
ストナ去たんカプセルパブロンSゴールドW
Category printed on the package
Class 2
Sold at any drugstore or pharmacy, and online.

Show this page to the pharmacist or staff. Prices and packaging vary by store, so look for the Japanese ingredient name.

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Prescription products in Japan

29 products

Products on Japan's national drug price list. Prescription only: a clinic visit is needed, and pharmacies may substitute a generic with the same ingredient.

Brand namesムコダイン · ムコダインDS
Generic21 generic products
Dosage formsOral
Strengths (oral)250mg · 500mg
Official price (per tablet or unit)¥5.4 – ¥19.6
Official NHI drug price. Patients with Japanese insurance pay 10–30%; visitors without it pay the full price plus consultation fees.

Product names are shown in Japanese, exactly as printed on the package and the prescription. Show this page at the pharmacy.

All listed products (29) · Drug price list as of 2026-08-12
ムコダインDS50%Oral · ¥13.7/g
ムコダインシロップ5%Oral · ¥7.1/mL
ムコダイン錠250mgOral · ¥10.8/tablet
ムコダイン錠500mgOral · ¥10.8/tablet
L−カルボシステイン250mg錠 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
L−カルボシステイン5%シロップ · GenericOral · ¥5.4/mL
L−カルボシステイン500mg錠 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステインDS50%「タカタ」Oral · ¥12.5/g
カルボシステインDS50%「ツルハラ」Oral · ¥12.5/g
カルボシステインDS50%「トーワ」Oral · ¥12.5/g
カルボシステインシロップ5%「JG」 · GenericOral · ¥5.4/mL
カルボシステインシロップ5%「タカタ」 · GenericOral · ¥5.4/mL
カルボシステインシロップ5%「ツルハラ」 · GenericOral · ¥5.4/mL
カルボシステインシロップ小児用5%「NIG」 · GenericOral · ¥5.4/mL
カルボシステインシロップ小児用5%「トーワ」 · GenericOral · ¥5.8/mL
カルボシステインドライシロップ50%「NIG」Oral · ¥12.5/g
カルボシステイン細粒50%「ツルハラ」 · GenericOral · ¥19.6/g
カルボシステイン錠250mg「JG」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠250mg「NIG」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠250mg「TCK」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠250mg「サワイ」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠250mg「ツルハラ」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠250mg「トーワ」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠500mg「JG」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠500mg「NIG」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠500mg「TCK」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠500mg「サワイ」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠500mg「ツルハラ」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
カルボシステイン錠500mg「トーワ」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet

Bringing it into Japan

Up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine, or 2 months of OTC medicine, without any paperwork. For more, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import confirmation) before travel.

How to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (article)

Getting it prescribed in Japan

Any clinic can prescribe it after a consultation. Bring the original packaging or a medication list. Use the hospital finder to find clinics with English-speaking staff or an international patient office.

Find a clinic by language

Names abroad

UKMucodyne
Korea리나치올
China羧甲司坦
Taiwan羧甲司坦

Sources

  1. Health Insurance Claims Review & Reimbursement Services — Drug master (NHI drug price list) shinryohoshu.mhlw.go.jp — 2026-08-12
  2. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan mhlw.go.jp

This page describes how a medicine is regulated and sold in Japan. It is not medical advice and does not cover dosing for your situation; follow your doctor's and pharmacist's instructions.