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What is acetylcysteine oral solution?
ACETYLCYSTEINE (Mucomyst®, Mucosil®) oral solution is a drug that has many different uses. Acetylcysteine makes mucus or sputum in the lungs easier to cough up; it can help improve breathing in patients with COPD (chronic bronchitis or emphysema) or other lung diseases. Acetylcysteine is also used by doctors as an antidote for treating overdoses of acetaminophen (Tylenol®); it can help reduce the amount of liver damage caused by acetaminophen. This drug is also sometimes used to prevent kidney problems caused by contrast drugs given prior to radiographic procedures like "CAT" scans. Generic acetylcysteine oral solutions are available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• asthma, or breathing difficulty
• peptic ulcer or other stomach illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetylcysteine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Acetylcysteine oral solution is taken directly by mouth. The solution should be diluted with a soft drink or fruit juice prior to taking it. Regular cola will often mask the odor of the solution best (the acetylcysteine solution will often smell like sulfur or rotten eggs). Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or use more often than directed.Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, and it is within a few hours of when it was due, take it when you remember. Otherwise skip the missed dose and remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with acetylcysteine?
• charcoal• amyl nitrite
• isosorbide dinitrate
• isosorbide mononitrate
• nitroglycerin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking acetylcysteine?
If you are using acetylcysteine on a regular basis, consult your prescriber or health care professional if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.If you are using acetylcysteine for breathing problems, drink plenty of water. This will help to loosen and thin mucus or sputum.
You may notice an unpleasant smell from the solution. This is the normal smell of the product. The product has no taste.
Acetylcysteine can interact with certain metals and rubber; do not mix the oral solution in containers made of these materials.
What side effects may I notice from taking acetylcysteine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:Rare:
• difficulty breathing
• facial swelling
• fever
• flushing
• skin rash and itching (hives)
• wheezing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• changes in taste
• drowsiness
• mouth sores
• nausea, vomiting
• runny nose
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After opening store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away unused open portion after 4 days (96 hours).
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
