General Information
Brand names and manufacturer
Type: OTC/Prescription/schedule
Pronunciation
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Acetylcysteine is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Acetylcysteine Is pronuounced as: a-SEET-il-SIS-teen
Acetylcysteine is Anti tussive, Expectorent / Mucolytic drug.
Acetylcysteine is used in the treatment of cough which is associated with sticky mucus.
Acetylcysteine is also used as anti dote for paracetamol poisoning
How to use acetylcysteine
Take acetylcysteine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.
Acetylcysteine vial should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. Preparations of acetylcysteine containing visibly opaque particles should not be used. Acetylcysteine inj is given by your doctor by IV.
Acetylcysteine solution can be inhaled directly in to the lungs using the nebulizer with the face mask or mouth piece. If you do not know how to use inhaler and amount of solution to inhale take clear direction from your physician or pharmacist.
Acetylcysteine tablets, use as directed by your doctor
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs and ask them about drug interactions with acetylcysteine.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any breathing problems.
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to acetylcysteine or if you have breathing problems esp if you are suffering from asthma.
Children:
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Acetylcysteine belongs to FDA pregnancy category B. This means that acetylcysteine is safe during pregnancy and is not expected to cause any harm to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether acetylcysteine passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take acetylcysteine with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding baby.
Other:
Acetylcysteine is available in the form tablets, capsules, solution and injection. Your doctor will prescribe depend on the condition and severity of the disease you are suffering.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The following are the side effects for acetylcysteine
If you notice any allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, breathing problems, chest tight ness, swelling of the face, lips stop using the medication and consult your physician immediately.
Store acetylcysteine at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: July 8, 2011