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Table of Contents > 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).


Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved

 
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.

  
  

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