Acetylcysteine (By breathing)
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Thins or dissolves thick lung mucus caused by emphysema, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, or other lung problems.
Drug classes
Acetaminophen Antidote, Diagnostic Agent, Bronchial, Mucolytic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic (medicine that destroys or dissolves mucus). It is usually given by inhalation but may be given in other ways in a hospital.
Acetylcysteine is used for certain lung conditions when increased amounts of mucus make breathing difficult. Acetylcysteine liquefies (thins) or dissolves mucus so that it may be coughed up. Sometimes the mucus may have to be removed by suction.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer.
This medicine is sometimes given through a face mask. It also may be given inside a plastic tent that is placed around your head. The medicine is put into the air of the tent for breathing.
This medicine may have a bad smell at first. The odor should go away soon after you start your treatment.
The medicine in an opened vial might turn from clear to a light purple color. This is normal and does not change how the medicine works.
Clean the nebulizing equipment immediately after use.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store unopened vials of this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. After opening, you may store the vial in the refrigerator for 4 days.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how acetylcysteine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking an antibiotic. Do not mix other medicines in the nebulizer with acetylcysteine, unless your doctor tells you to.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acetylcysteine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have asthma, or it is hard for you to cough.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest tightness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Clammy skin
Drowsiness
Sore mouth
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Mucomyst
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
