ACETYLCYSTEINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mucomyst

GENERIC NAME(S): ACETYLCYSTEINE

 

Description: Acetylcysteine lowering mucous viscosity. It is also used to protect the liver in acetaminophen overdose. It is Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism occurs in the liver and GI wall. Exceretion is Via urine.

By inhalation, acetylcysteine loosens mucus in the airways due to emphysema, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia.

When taken by mouth, acetylcysteine is used to prevent liver damage from acetaminophen overdose.

How to use acetylcysteine

  • Take this medication by inhalation when treating lung diseases.  Slight odor when you breathe may be noticed but this will quickly go away. Do not mix acetylcysteine with other inhaled medications.
  • When taking by mouth, the solution is usually mixed with another liquid to decrease nausea and vomiting.
  • If you vomit within 1 hour after taking your medication, inform your doctor and you might need to take another dose.

Side effects include:

Nausea and vomiting, Mouth sores and runny nose, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain/tightness, trouble breathing.

If you experience these symptoms and in case of allergic reactions, consult your doctor immediately

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist your allergies, medical history, especially of: asthma, stomach/intestinal ulcer.

During pregnancy, use this drug only when clearly needed.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

 

Interactions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use as any of the ingredients may interact with Acetylcysteine.

Certain laboratory tests (including urine ketone test) may be affected by acetylcysteine.

Overdose

Get emergency medical help when overdose is suspected.

Missed Dose: As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage: Store medications in Room temperature. Do not expose to light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from pets and children. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour into a drain.

 

Brands

Available Brands

  • Cetilan [ Yoo Young ]
  • Exflem [ Westmont ]
  • Fluimucil [ Zambon ]
  • Flumex [ Greater Pharma ]
  • Hidonac [ Zambon ]
  • Nacetyl 600 [ Unicure ]

Also marketed as

  • Broncoflem [ Medica Korea ]
  • Nacetyl 200 [ Unicure ]
  • Pharcetil [ Teva ]

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