Chemical Name: ACETYLCYSTEINE (a-se-teel-SIS-teen)
Common uses
Acetylcysteine, when inhaled by mouth, is a mucolytic used to thin mucus secretions in the lungs and bronchial tubes making breathing easier. Also, Acetylcysteine, when swallowed, is used as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.
Prior to Use
Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, including breathing disorders, digestive system problems (peptic ulcer disease, esophageal varices), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Acetylcysteine. When used to thin mucus, Acetylcysteine is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer. A healthcare professional will demonstrate the proper way to use the nebulizer. Be sure to only use the nebulizer recommended by your physician. If Acetylcysteine is used with a face mask, it may cause stickiness on your face. Remove the stickiness by washing your face with water after using Acetylcysteine. Acetylcysteine may change color in the opened bottle. This is harmless. Store unopened bottles of Acetylcysteine at room temperature, away from heat and light. Opened bottles of undiluted solution for inhalation may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you miss a dose of Acetylcysteine and you are using it regularly to thin mucus, use it as soon as possible and then go back to your regular dosing schedule. FOR ACETAMINOPHEN OVERDOSE: When Acetylcysteine is swallowed by mouth for acetaminophen overdose, take exactly as directed. It is generally used every 4 hours. Diluted solutions to be swallowed should be used within 1 hour of preparation. If you are using Acetylcysteine to treat acetaminophen overdose and you miss a dose of Acetylcysteine, contact your physician immediately.
Warnings
If you are using Acetylcysteine to thin mucus and your breathing does not improve or if it becomes worse, check with your physician as soon as possible. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Acetylcysteine. Using Acetylcysteine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Acetylcysteine may initially produce a slight disagreeable odor that soon disappears. This is harmless. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Acetylcysteine more often than prescribed. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Acetylcysteine during pregnancy. The effects of Acetylcysteine on breast milk is not known. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Acetylcysteine, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.
Potential Side Effects
When using Acetylcysteine to thin mucus, side effects that may go away during treatment include mouth or tongue irritation, clamminess, fever, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, or unpleasant odor. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Contact your physician as soon as possible if you experience rash, mouth sores, or breathing trouble. When using Acetylcysteine to treat acetaminophen overdose, it may cause drowsiness and/or cause or worsen nausea and vomiting. Diluted solutions of Acetylcysteine may help lessen these effects. Consult the pharmacist for instructions on the proper dilution of acetylcysteine. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed.
Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Acetylcysteine. Do not take Acetylcysteine to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Acetylcysteine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
