GENERIC NAME: ACETYLCYSTEINE - INHALATION/ORAL (a-set-ill-SIST-een)
BRAND NAME(S): Mucomyst
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication, when inhaled by mouth, works in the lung to thin mucous, making breathing easier. It is used to treat thick mucous secretions in chronic emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and other related conditions. This medication is also swallowed by mouth as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose in order to prevent life-threatening liver damage.
OTHER USES: Acetylcysteine has also been swallowed by mouth to prevent kidney failure due to X-ray contrast products.
HOW TO USE: When used to thin mucus, this medication is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing (nebulizer) equipment. A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to use the equipment. Make sure you understand and ask any questions you may have. Use the solution as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this more frequently than directed. When swallowed by mouth for acetaminophen overdose or to prevent kidney problems, take exactly as directed. For acetaminophen overdose, this medication is generally used every 4 hours.
SIDE EFFECTS: When using this to thin mucus, it may cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, runny nose, clamminess, fever and an unpleasant odor the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: rash, mouth sores, breathing trouble. If using a face mask, your face may feel sticky after use. Wipe clean with water. When using this medication by mouth for acetaminophen overdose or to prevent kidney problems, it may cause or aggravate nausea and vomiting. Diluted solutions of this medication may minimize this problem. Consult the pharmacist for instructions on proper dilution of acetylcysteine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Pneumonia - Learn pneumonia symptoms, causes, treatment, signs, diagnosis and types: viral and bacterial (Pneumocystis carinii, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae).
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Learn about COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections. Emphysema, smoking, and chronic bronchitis symptoms may be more complicated.
- Cystic Fibrosis - Read about cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease of the mucus and sweat glands. Symptoms include bulky, foul smelling stools, abdominal pain, gas, malnutrition, and respiratory failure.
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