Because compatibility with other medications may vary between manufacturers of acetylcysteine, refer to individual manufacturer's guidelines before combining with other medications or solvents. If an admixture is prepared, administer as soon as possible after preparation. Do not store admixtures for future use.



How to Take Acetylcysteine

Take Acetylcysteine exactly as prescribed by health care provider. For inhalation or direct instillation into bronchial tree. Not for parenteral administration.Do not use nebulization equipment with Acetylcysteine that contains iron, copper, or rubber because of potential for corrosion. Use glass, plastic, aluminum, anodized aluminum, chromed metal, tantalum, sterling silver, or stainless steel equipment. Silver may become tarnished after exposure to acetylcysteine, but this is not harmful to the patient and does not reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Dosage Instructions for Acetylcysteine Drug

Reduction of viscosity of bronchopulmonary mucous secretions in patients with chronic or acute lung diseases, pulmonary complications associated with cystic fibrosis, surgery, anesthesia, or atelectasis caused by mucous obstruction; diagnostic bronchial studies; tracheostomy care, posttraumatic chest conditions (oral solution); prevention or lessening of liver damage after potentially toxic quantity of acetaminophen (oral or IV).

Contraindications of Acetylcysteine

Hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas; diabetes complicated by ketoacidosis; sole therapy of insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes mellitus; diabetes complicated by pregnancy.

Interactions of Acetylcysteine with other drugs

Do not mix with tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, erythromycin lactobionate, amphotericin B, ampicillin sodium, iodized oil, chymotrypsin, trypsin, or hydrogen peroxide.

What are the Side Effects of Acetylcysteine -

Like other medicines, Acetylcysteine can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Acetylcysteine include

* Tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension, chest tightness (oral); tachycardia, chest tightness

* Drowsiness

* Rash, pruritus, angioedema (oral); pruritus, rash, flushing

* Rhinorrhea (oral); ear pain, pharyngitis, throat tightness

* Nausea, vomiting, stomatitis (oral); nausea, vomiting

* Bronchospasm, bronchial irritation (oral); rhinorrhea, rhonchi

* Fever, clamminess

Warnings and precautions before taking Acetylcysteine :

* Advise patient before using Acetylcysteine or caregiver to notify health care provider if any of the following occur: rash or other signs or allergic reaction, new or worsening wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing, persistent nausea or vomiting, coughing up blood, fever, or other signs of respiratory infection.

* Advise patient before using Acetylcysteine or caregiver that administration using face mask may leave a sticky residue on the face that can be easily removed by washing with water.

* The safety and efficay of Acetylcysteine medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents.

* Instruct patient to call health care provider if any of the following symptoms occur: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, rash, itching, weakness, unusual bruising, bleeding.

* Advise patient before using Acetylcysteine or caregiver that medication has a disagreeable odor (rotten eggs) but that this should become unnoticeable after continued use.

* Advise women before using Acetylcysteine to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Acetylcysteine. Insulin is recommended to maintain blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Prolonged severe neonatal hypoglycemia can occur if sulfonylureas are administered at time of delivery.

What if Overdose of Acetylcysteine ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Acetylcysteine , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Advise patient, family, or caregiver that medication will be prepared and administered by a health care professional in a hospital setting.

What if Missed Dose of Acetylcysteine ?

If you miss a dose of Acetylcysteine medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Acetylcysteine :

Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature (68° to 77°F). Diluted solution is stable for up to 24 hr at controlled room temperature.

By: ashu