Generic name: N-Acetylcysteine
Brand name:
ACETYL (Shrooq)
FLUMICIL (Angelin)
MUCOLATOR ( Abbot laboratories)
Chemical Class: Amino acid, L-cysteine
Therapeutic class: Antidote, acetaminophen: mucolytic
Indication:
Antidote for acetaminophen overdose; mucolytic;
Adjuvant therapy for abnormal
Viscid, or inspissated mucus secretions in chronic bronchopulmonary disease
Diagnostic bronchial scans ( bronchograms, bronchospirometry, bronchial wedge catheterization )
Keratoconjunctive sicca* (as an ophthalmic solution )
Bowel obstruction due to meconium ileus * ( as an
enema)
Dose:
Dissolve granules in water before administration.
Acetaminophen toxicity: PO 140 mg/kg then 70 mg/kg q4h * 17
doses to total of 1330 mg/kg ; (dilute 20% solution to concentration of 5% ;
dilutions should be freshly prepared and utilized within 1 hr)
Adults:
Respiratory conditions, under 2 years, 1 sachet daily; 2-6 years, 1 sachet twice daily; over 6 years, same as adult.
Cystic fibrosis ;
acute cases, maintenance; under 2 years, ½-1 sachet three times daily; 2-6
years, 1 sachet three-time daily; over 6 years, 1 or 2 sachets three times
daily.
Precautions: Asthma, hepatic disease, renal disease, COPD
, alcoholism
Pregnancy and lactation:
Pregnancy category B
Side effects / Adverse reactions
CNS: Chills, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache
EENT: Rhinorrhea
GI: Anorexia, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting
RESP: Bronchospasm, chest tightness
SKIN: Clamminess, fever, rash, urticarial
