Acetylcysteine
Description
Acetylcysteine is a medicine that is used in the treatment of many respiratory problems to reduce the secretion of mucous such as bronchitis (a condition caused by swelling of the airway tube with mucus secretion), asthma (a condition caused by narrowing and swelling of the airways with excessive mucus secretion), and emphysema (a condition of damage of the air sacs in your lungs).
Acetylcysteine is also used as an antidote for paracetamol poisoning to prevent liver damage. It is available in tablet, extended-release tablet, injection, capsule, powder, and granule dosage forms. The injection form of Acetylcysteine is used as an antidote. It is very effective when given during the first eight hours following paracetamol overdose. It works by increasing the levels of antioxidants (the natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage) in the body that reducing the toxic waste of paracetamol in the body.
Acetylcysteine shows some common side effects like fever, nausea, vomiting and rash. However, these side effects are self-limiting. Seek a doctor's consultation if any of these side effects do not resolve or worsen. Avoid taking this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Acetylcysteine can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of this medicine based on the type and severity of your condition. Always take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Acetylcysteine is not suitable for all people. Inform your doctor if you have asthma before taking this medicine as it may worsen your condition. Also, inform your doctor of your entire medical history including liver problems, kidney problems or heart problems if any, to ensure the safety of this medicine.
Acetylcysteine may interact with other medicines you are taking. Hence, inform your doctor about your ongoing medicines before taking Acetylcysteine. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Acetylcysteine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Runny Nose
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Skin irritation and rahses
- Throat irritation
- Drowsiness
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Presence of blood in cough
- Injection site pain
- Cool and moist skin
- Swelling and soreness of the inside of the mouth
Uses of Acetylcysteine
What is it prescribed for?
- Mucolytic
- Paracetamol poisoning
- Dry eye syndrome
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Acetylcysteine to show its effect is subject to vary based on the intended use and route of administration.
- Duration of effectThe duration for which Acetylcysteine remains effective in the body is subject to vary based on the intended use and route of administration.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?Acetylcysteine has no habit-forming tendency.
- Usage in pregnancy?Acetylcysteine is not recommended for use if you are pregnant as it can harm your foetus.
- Usage while breast-feeding?It is not known whether Acetylcysteine passes into the breastmilk or not. However, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid taking Acetylcysteine if you are allergic to it. If you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc., consult your doctor at the earliest.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Acetylcysteine is not recommended for use if you are pregnant as it can harm your foetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether Acetylcysteine passes into the breastmilk or not. However, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Keratoconjunctivitis
Acetylcysteine should not be used with topical antibiotics for relieving dry eye syndrome due to the increased risk of severe side effects.
Allergic skin reaction
Use of Acetylcysteine may cause severe allergic reactions like a rapid fall in blood pressure, difficulty in breathing, rash, etc. Your doctor may suggest tests for monitoring your clinical conditions, especially when the intravenous form of the medicine is administered.
Fluid overload
Acetylcysteine may cause fluid overload and can cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), seizure, and other undesirable effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on the severity of your medical condition.
Missed Dose
Oral forms (Tablets, capsules): Take the missed dose of Acetylcysteine as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Injection: The injectable form of this medicine is given in a clinical set-up by a qualified health professional. Hence, the chances of missing a dose are very low.
Overdose
Oral forms (Tablets, capsules): Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose of Acetylcysteine is suspected. Symptoms may include difficulty in breathing, convulsions, reduced physical activity, etc.
Injection: The injectable form of this medicine is given in a clinical set-up by a qualified health professional. Hence, the chances of overdose are very low.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Activated charcoal
Tetracycline
Antitussives
Disease interactions
Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. Acetylcysteine should be used with caution if you have asthma as it may worsen your condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Urine ketone
Urine ketone test measures ketone levels in your urine. Acetylcysteine may influence the results of this test. Inform your doctor or lab technician of your ongoing medication before undergoing any test.
Oral forms (Tablets, capsules): Take Acetylcysteine with or without food.
It has a foul odour. This is normal and does not indicate that the medicine has changed.
Drink plenty of fluids to help relieve congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medicine. Keep away from the reach of children and pets.
Injection: Acetylcysteine is administered in the hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
It is very effective when given within 8 hours of paracetamol poisoning. The effectiveness is reduced with time but it can still help when given within 24 hours.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Acetylcysteine works by reducing the thickness of mucus present in the airways and relieving chest congestion. It also counteracts the poisonous effects caused by the overuse of Paracetamol, by increasing the antioxidant levels in your body. Thus, it reduces the extent of liver damage.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antidotes, Mucolytics
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Acetylcysteine 200mg/ml Injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 21 September 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 21 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Acetylcysteine 600mg Capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 21 September 2021].
Npra.gov.my. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 21 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 10 Nov 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.