Acetylcysteine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is acetylcysteine ​​used for?

Acetylcysteine ​​or acetylcysteine ​​is a drug to break down mucus that is in the mouth, throat, and lungs.

This medication is also commonly used to thin mucus in people who have certain lung problems, such as:

• cystic fibrosis
• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• tuberculosis

Acetylcysteine ​​can also be used to treat paracetamol poisoning.

This medication is also used during surgery or anesthesia and for preparatory medical tests that check the condition of the throat and lungs.

How to use

How to use this drug?

To treat lung health problems, inhale this medication as directed by your doctor. Generally the doctor or nurse will teach you to use this drug. Learn all preparation and instructions for use.

When using acetylcysteine ​​you may feel a slight pungent odor when you first inhale the medicine. This smell will disappear quickly. After inhalation, there may be a stiffening effect on the face afterward. Wash your face with water to get rid of the stickiness of the medicine

Do not mix acetylcysteine ​​with any other inhaled medication unless your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed it.

If you are taking this medication by mouth, use it as directed by your doctor. The solution is usually mixed with other fluids (such as soda) to reduce nausea and vomiting. Take the medicine within 1 hour after mixing it with other fluids.

Tell your doctor if you vomit within 1 hour of taking the medicine. You may need to take other, lower doses.

How to store this drug?

The drug acetylcysteine ​​is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

If you are no longer using this medicine or if the medicine has expired, discard this medicine immediately according to the procedure for disposing of the medicine.

One of them, do not mix this drug with household waste. Do not also throw this drug in drains such as toilets.

Ask the pharmacist or staff from the local waste disposal agency about the proper and safe way to dispose of drugs for environmental health.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting medication.

What is the acetycysteine ​​dosage for adults?

Nebulizer dosage

For mucolytics

Use 1 to 10 mL of 20% solution or 2 to 20 mL of 10% solution which can be given every 2 to 6 hours in a day, the recommended dose for most patients is 3 to 5 mL of 20% solution or 6 to 10 mL of triple 10% solution. up to four times a day.

Oral dosage

For mucolytics

600 mg per day in one dose or divided into 3 doses.

For paracetamol poisoning

• For a loading dose give 140 mg / kg body weight, orally, once as a loading dose (see instructions on drug packaging)
• For Maintenance Dose give 70 mg / kg body weight, orally, 4 hours after dose loading and every 4 hours for 17 total doses, unless repeated paracetamol tests show nontoxic levels (see preparation instructions below).

What is the dosage for children?

The dose of acetylcysteine ​​for children can be given through a doctor's prescription which will be given based on the child's weight.

In what forms is acetylcysteine ​​available?

Acetylcysteine ​​is available in 600 mg tablets and as an ampoule nebulizer in 300 mg / 3 ml dosage forms.

Side effects

What side effects can acetylcysteine ​​cause?

All drugs are definitely at risk of causing side effects, including acetylcysteine. Most of these side effects are mild, and not everyone will experience them.

However, if you experience any troublesome health problems after using this medicine, tell your doctor.

The following are the side effects that can occur:

• Chest tightness or difficulty breathing
• Sticky around the face affected by the nebulizer mask
• White patches or sores in your mouth or on your lips
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever, runny nose, sore throat

If you experience a severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction to this medicine, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:

• Itchy rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Not everyone experiences side effects when using this drug. There may also be some side effects not mentioned above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions and Warnings

What should be known before using this drug?

The things that patients need to pay attention to while using acetylcysteine ​​are as follows:

• Patients who have bronchial asthma should be monitored for possible bronchospasm. If bronchospasm occurs, treatment should be stopped immediately.
• This drug is an aerosol dosage form that can worsen cough in patients who have acute bronchial asthma.
• The use of acetylcysteine, especially at the start of treatment, can dilute bronchial secretions and simultaneously increase their volume. If the patient is unable to spit, it is necessary to clean the airways by postural drainage or use bronchosuction to avoid retention of secretions.
• Ask your doctor about the acetylcysteine ​​dosage for children.
• Acetylcysteine ​​can cause drowsiness in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking or using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines. This is because several types of drugs may interact with acetylcysteine.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to certain drugs, especially acetylcysteine ​​or any other ingredients in this medicine.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on whether acetylcysteine ​​is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included inpregnancy risk category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in America or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following is an explanation of the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A: It's not risky
• B: No risk in some studies
• C: It might be risky
• D: There is positive evidence of risk
• X: Contraindicated
• N: Not known

The absence of adequate and well-controlled clinical studies in pregnant women makes the use of drugs containing Acetylcysteine ​​during pregnancy must first be consulted with a doctor.

Always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medicine, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

Interaction

What drugs can react with acetylcysteine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed on this page.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

According to Drugs.com, drugs that may interact with acetylcysteine ​​are:

• charcoalor activated charcoal
• ifosfamide
• inhaled insulin

What foods and drinks should not be consumed while using this medicine?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking red grapefruit juice while using the medicine unless your doctor allows it.

Grapefruit and grapefruit drugs can increase the risk of interactions. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for more info.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of excessive use or accidental ingestion, symptoms of an overdose may occur. Any signs and symptoms are the same as the side effects above but even worse. So far there have been no reports of serious side effects or symptoms of poisoning, even with a very high overdose.

In an emergency or overdose situation, call 119 or rush to the nearest hospital.

What should I do if I forget to drink?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose, and continue taking it as scheduled. Make sure you don't double your dose in one shot.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.