What is acetylcysteine?
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic (myoo-koe-LIT-ik) drug that breaks down mucus, the substance that lubricates many parts of the body such as the mouth, throat, and lungs.
Acetylcysteine is used to thin the mucus in people with certain lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis, emphysema, bronchitis, tuberculosis. Acetylcysteine is also used during surgery or anesthesia, and to prepare the throat or lungs for a medical test.
Acetylcysteine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about acetylcysteine?
Do not use acetylcysteine at home if you do not fully understand all instructions that are specific to your use of this medication. Use only the inhaler device provided with your medicine or you may not get the correct dose.
Acetylcysteine solution can be inhaled directly from the nebulizer, or with a face mask, mouth piece, tent, or intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) machine.
Do not mix your dose of acetylcysteine until you are ready to use the medication. Diluted acetylcysteine must be used within 1 hour of mixing.
Acetylcysteine liquid may change color once you have opened the bottle. This is caused by a chemical reaction and will not affect the medicine.
You may sense an unusual or unpleasant smell while using acetylcysteine.
Other side effects may include sticky feeling around the nebulizer mask, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, nausea, fever, runny nose, sore throat, drowsiness, skin rash, or clammy skin.
There may be other drugs that can affect acetylcysteine, or that should not be used in the same nebulizer. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking acetylcysteine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetylcysteine.
Before using acetylcysteine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have asthma. You may not be able to use acetylcysteine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether acetylcysteine inhalation passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.