N-Acetylcysteine

Uses	Respiratory tract disease with excessive mucus
Therapy	Cough Cold Preparation
Side Effects	Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting

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Molecule Description

N-Acetylcysteine is used as adjuvant therapy in various respiratory diseases associated with excessive mucous secretion. Lung and airway diseases such as bronchitis, shortness of breath (emphysema), production of thick sticky mucus (cystic fibrosis) are usually related to excessive mucous secretion. It belongs to a class of medicines known as mucolytics (medicines that make the mucus less thick and sticky). It helps in loosening the thick mucous and makes it easier to cough it out.

Uses

N-Acetylcysteine is used as adjuvant therapy in respiratory tract diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis associated with excessive mucous secretion.

Contraindications

When should one not use N-Acetylcysteine

If you are allergic to acetylcysteine or any ingredients of this medicine.
N-Acetylcysteine should not be used in children below 14 years of age.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Fever
Headache
Low blood pressure
Ringing in the ears
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Itching
Rashes

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

There is limited safety data on the use of N-Acetylcysteine during pregnancy. Hence, this medicine must be used in pregnant women only if prescribed by a doctor.

Breast Feeding

It is not known if acetylcysteine is secreted in breast milk. To avoid any harm to the newborn baby, avoid taking this medicine while breastfeeding unless prescribed by a doctor.

Driving

N-Acetylcysteine is less likely to affect your driving abilities.

Alcohol

You should avoid consuming alcohol while taking N-Acetylcysteine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You experience any difficulty in breathing, stop the medicine immediately.
You have a history of ulcers and asthma.
You experience any rashes or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes after taking this medicine.
You have any history of intolerance to histamine, then you should avoid long term treatment.
During the initial days of treatment, you may experience an increase in the secretions of the airways and lungs. You should contact your doctor if you experience any discomfort.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

N-Acetylcysteine is a derivative of the natural amino acid L-cysteine. It acts by thinning the mucus and making it easier to cough out and relieve the airways.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way N-Acetylcysteine works, or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
Cough suppressants should not be used at the same time while using this medicine as it can alter the way this medicine works.
Activated charcoal can reduce the action of this medicine. Concomitant use is not advised.
Antibiotics should be taken with a minimum gap of 2 hours with N-Acetylcysteine
Concomitant use of Glyceryl trinitrate (a medicine used for heart-related disorder) along with N-Acetylcysteine can cause low blood pressure.

Interactions with food items

N-Acetylcysteine can be taken with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor.

Dosage

Overdose

You may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or loose motions. In case of an overdose, reach out to your doctor.

Missed a Dose

If you miss any dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is already time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the normal dosing schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

N-Acetylcysteine is being used as a mucolytic for a long time in lung and airway diseases and effectively reduces mucus secretion and improves other symptoms. Consult your doctor for more information about its other uses.

You must not take this medicine within 2 hours of taking an antibiotic. Cough suppressants and medicines to treat high blood pressure should be avoided or used with caution while taking acetylcysteine. The medicine has a smell of sulphur (or rotten eggs), which is very pungent. Make sure you do not throw away the medicine thinking it is spoiled.

No, it is not an antibiotic medicine. It belongs to a class of medicines called mucolytics.

It can be taken with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor.

No, you should not give this medicine to your baby. Discuss with a child specialist before giving any medicine to your baby as their organs are sensitive and not fully developed.

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