Acetylcysteine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

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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