Acetylcysteine (Acetylcysteine) is a prescription medication used to help thin and loosen mucus in the airways due to certain lung diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, or cystic fibrosis. When taken by mouth, the drug is used to prevent liver damage from acetaminophen overdose. The active ingredient in Acetylcysteine is Acetylcysteine. Acetylcysteine belongs to a class of medications called mucolytic agents. It works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up mucus and clear the airways. Acetylcysteine also belongs to a class of drugs called antidotes. It works by neutralizing the effects of acetaminophen overdose.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Acetylcysteine from Canada manufactured by Teligent Canada Inc. in the strength of 200mg/ml injectable vials. The generic Acetylcysteine is also available from Turkey by a different manufacturer in the strength of 900 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Acetylcysteine. The most common side effects of Acetylcysteine may include the following:
• Fever;
• Nausea;
• Rash;
• Runny nose
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Chest pain or tightness;
• Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• Severe or ongoing vomit;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Acetylcysteine. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Acetylcysteine if you are allergic to Acetylcysteine or any ingredient in Acetylcysteine. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a stomach ulcer;
• Have asthma;
• Have congestive heart failure;
• Have high blood pressure;
• Have kidney disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Acetylcysteine and other medicines, like insulin inhalation, ifosfamide, charcoal, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Acetylcysteine will harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Acetylcysteine passes into breast milk and may cause unwanted side effects in a nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Acetylcysteine comes as an inhalation solution and tablet. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may notice a slight odor when you first breathe in the medication. This odor will quickly go away. If you take the oral solution by mouth, mix it with a caffeine-free diet, cola, or other soft drink. Drink the solution within one hour of mixing.
If you take the effervescent tablet, dissolve it in water before drinking. Take the mixed solution within 2 hours of mixing. Inform your doctor if you vomit within one hour of taking your medication. You may need to take another dose. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.