Pharmacologic class
Mucolytic, antidote
Mucomyst, Acetadote
Adjuvant therapy for abnormal, viscid, or inspissated mucous secretions (e.g. acute or chronic bronchopulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, chest trauma, anesthesia, tracheostomy, atelectasis related to mucous obstruction, bronchoscopy) Acetaminophen overdose Amanita phalloides poisoning
Decreases viscosity of mucous secretions by uncoupling disulfide linkages. Mucolytic effect increases with increasing pH (maximim effectiveness occurs between pH 7-9). Protects hepatic tissue possibly by restoring glutathione level, or acting as a substitute reagent for the detoxification of the reactive metabolite. Exact mechanism unknown.
Allergy to acetylcysteine
Use cautiously when given orally in patients at risk for gastric bleeding due to the increased potential for vomiting.
Nitrates: increased headaches Carbamazepine: decreased carbamazepine level
Stomatitis, nausea, vomiting, fever, rhinorrhea, drowsiness, clamminess, chest tightness, bronchoconstriction, bronchospasm, rash
Acetylcysteine can be given orally, IV, by inhalation, or by instillation into an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube.
September 28, 2005