Drugs >  Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(a se teel SIS teen)

Brand Names
Mucomyst®; Mucosil™

Therapeutic Categories
Antidote; Mucolytic Agent

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to acetylcysteine or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used to thin fluid from the lungs.


How does it work?

  • Acetylcysteine works by breaking down the fluid into a thinner one.


How is it best taken?

  • For inhaling only. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Liquid (solution) must be mixed first. Talk with healthcare provider for more information.
  • Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
  • This medicine may also be used on an as needed basis to loosen fluid in the lungs.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
  • Increased lung fluids may occur after use. Be prepared to get rid of them by coughing or suctioning them up.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Coughing.


What should I monitor?

  • Follow up with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing occurs after use.
  • Any rash.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store opened vials in a refrigerator. Throw away after 4 days.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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