Acetylcysteine
Written By Dr. Radhika Dua
Reviewed By Dr. Shilpa GarchaLast updated 17 May 2023 | 05:21 AM (UTC)
Acetylcysteine Uses
Acetylcysteine is used for respiratory disease with excessive mucus and Abdominal cramp. It acts as mucolytic (loosen mucus in airways) when used in oral preparations while when used as injection it treats paracetamol overdose toxicity.
How Acetylcysteine works
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic medication. It thins and loosens mucus (phlegm) making it easier to cough out. It also works as an antidote in paracetamol poisoning by replenishing the body's stores of glutathione, a chemical that removes toxic substances.
Common side effects of Acetylcysteine
Fever, Nausea1a, Vomiting, Rash, Gastrointestinal discomfort
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Expert advice for Acetylcysteine
- You have been prescribed Acetylcysteine for the treatment of various respiratory conditions associated with excessive mucus production.
- It has a smelly odor. This is normal and does not indicate that the medicine has changed.
- Dissolve the effervescent tablet in half a glass of water. Drink the solution immediately.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
- for testing3
- for testing2
Frequently asked questions for Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine is given as a tablet form and can be taken with or without food. The tablets are to be taken twice daily in the morning and evening. The exact dosage and frequency of dose will be decided by the doctor on the basis of age and weight of the patient.
It has been found that in some cases Acetylcysteine can cause liver damage in prone patients and can lead to increased liver enzymes. Hence, it should be used with caution in patients with liver disease or who are prone to have liver disease/ history of liver disease. Before starting the medication inform your doctor if you have had a history of liver disease.
Yes, there are chances that Acetylcysteine may cause anemia. It has been observed that Acetylcysteine can cause a dose-related decrease in hemoglobin in the blood which could lead to anemia. Regular hemoglobin check is advised while taking Acetylcysteine and consult your prescribing doctor for his advice. If the patients develop anemia then in some cases blood transfusion is done to correct it.
Acetylcysteine can be given to a pregnant woman if the benefit of this medicine is more than the risk involved. Evidence shows it can be used in pregnant females without any gross risk to the fetus in the womb. Consult your doctor before starting the medication.
The duration of treatment with Acetylcysteine will be decided by the doctor. It will depend on the type of disease for which it has been prescribed. For respiratory conditions, it can be taken for 5 days and can be further extended to 2 weeks depending upon the condition of the patient.
Medicines like Acetylcysteine are not recommended to be used in children under 2 years of age. This is because the medicine works by dissolving the mucus which can cause a block in the breathing airway, and children below 2 years of age may not be able to clear it or cough it out properly. Still, in certain conditions it can be prescribed by your doctor, hence, follow the instructions as provided. Consult the doctor for any query.
No, you should not start taking cough syrups without consulting your doctor. The cough syrups which suppress the cough should be avoided with this medication as it would interfere with the action of the medicine. Consult your doctor who will suggest an effective cough syrup that can increase the expectoration or sputum.