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Mucomyst ®

ACETYLCYSTEINE

Mucolytic Agent.

Is a drug that breaks down mucus, the substance thatlubricates many parts of the body such as the mouth,throat, and lungs.

Acetylcysteine exerts its mucolytic action through its freesulfhydryl group, which opens the disulfide bonds andlowers mucus viscosity. This action increases withincreasing pH and is most significant at pH 7 to 9. Themucolytic action of acetylcysteine is not affected by thepresence of DNA.

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM

B

It is not known whether acetylcysteine is distributed intobreast milk. However, problems in humans have not beendocumented.

Pregnancy category

Breast-feeding

When inhaled by mouth, used to help thin and loosen

mucus in the airways due to certain lung diseases (such as

emphysema, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia).

When taken by mouth, acetylcysteine is used to prevent

liver damage from acetaminophen overdose.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be taken by mouth to

prevent kidney damage due to dyes from certain X-ray

procedures (such as CT scan).

Intestinal Obstruction in the Fetus or Newborn

Indications

Esophageal Varices.

Asthma Attack.

Significant Decrease in Lung Function.

Ulcer from Stomach Acid.

Contraindications

Nausea, vomiting.

Fever, runny nose, sorethroat.

Drowsiness.

Cold and clammy skin.

Mouth sores.

Sticky feeling around thenebulizer mask.

White patches or soresinside your mouth or onyour lips.

Many people using thismedication do not haveserious side effects.

Severestomach/abdominal pain,black stools, vomit thatlooks like coffee grounds.

Chest pain/tightness,trouble breathing.

A very serious allergicreaction to this drug is rare.

Side Effects

The total dose of Acetylcysteine is 300 mg/kgadministered over 21 hours.

Acetylcysteine is available as a 20% solution (200mg/mL)in 30 mL single dose glass vials.

Acetylcysteine is sterile and can be used for I.V.administration.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

For acetaminophen overdose, laboratory and/or medical

tests (such as liver/kidney function test, acetaminophen

drug levels, blood mineral levels) should be performed

periodically to monitor your progress or check for side

effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Over Dose