Acetylcysteine

Introduction

Acetylcysteine is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring amino acid cysteine that is used to help break down mucus and phlegm. It is commonly used for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and other lung conditions that cause a build-up of thick mucus. It is also sometimes used as a dietary supplement.

Uses for

Acetylcysteine is primarily used for the management of COPD, bronchitis, and other lung conditions that cause a build-up of thick mucus. It is also used to reduce oxidative stress in some medical conditions, to reduce hangover symptoms associated with alcohol consumption, and to counteract certain types of acetaminophen poisoning.

Brand Name	Acetylcysteine
Type
Weight
Generic	Acetylcysteine
Manufacturer
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Acetylcysteine helps break down mucus and phlegm by thinning mucous secretions in the respiratory tract. It does this by raising the levels of certain enzymes, known as proteases, which help break down mucus. This action reduces the viscosity of the mucus and allows it to be coughed out of the lungs more easily.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

The effects of acetylcysteine occur quickly and can be seen almost immediately. However, the effects may vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition being treated. It can take a few days or up to a few weeks for the full effects to be seen.

Absorption

Acetylcysteine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is widely distributed throughout the body.

Route of Elimination

Acetylcysteine is excreted in the urine as both free cysteine and cystine.

Dosage

Effervescent tablet or Dispersible tablet: Adults and children above 6 years: One effervescent tablet of Acetylcysteine 600 mg a day (preferably in the evening). The duration of treatment should be 5 to 10 days in the acute treatment, whereas it may be continued in the chronic states for several months, according to the advice of the physician. Dissolve the tablets in a glass containing a small quantity of water, mixing it, if necessary, with a spoon. A palatable solution is thus obtained, which can be drunk directly from the glass.

Effervescent Granules:

• Adults and children above 6 years: 1 sachet Acetylcysteine 200 mg or 2 sachets Acetylcysteine 100 mg, 2-3 times a day.
• Children (2-6 years of age): 1 sachet Acetylcysteine 100 mg from 2 to 4 times a day, according to the age.

The duration of treatment should be 5 to 10 days in the acute treatment, whereas it may be continued in the chronic states for several months, according to the advice of the physician.

Dissolve the contents of the sachets in a glass containing a small quantity of water; mixing it, if necessary, with a spoon. A palatable solution is thus obtained, which can be drunk directly from the glass.

Nebuliser Solution: The 20% solution may be diluted to a lesser concentration with either Sodium Chloride for injection, Sodium Chloride for inhalation, sterile water for injection, or sterile water for inhalation.

• Adult: 5-10 ml of 10% or 20% solution by Nebuliser every 6-8 hr PRN.
• Children: 1-11 months: 1-2 ml of 20% or 2-4 ml of 10% solution by Nebuliser every 6-8 hr PRN.
• 12 months-11 years: 3-5 ml of 20% or 6-10 ml of 10% solution by Nebuliser every 6-8 hr PRN.
• Below 12 years: 5-10 ml of 10/20% solution by Nebuliser every 6-8 hr PRN.

** Diagnostic Bronchograms: 1-2 ml of 20% or 2-4 ml of 10% solution 2-3 times by Nebulisation or by instillation intratracheally prior to procedure.

** Nebulisation tent or croupette: This form of administration requires very large volumes of the solution, occasionally as much as 300 ml during a single treatment period. If a tent or croupette must be used, the recommended dose is the volume of acetylcysteine (using 20%) that will maintain a very heavy mist in the tent or croupette for the desired period. Administration for intermittent or continuous prolonged periods, including overnight, may be desirable.

** Direct Instillation: When used by direct instillation, 1-2 ml of a 20% solution may be given as often as every hour. When used for the routine nursing care of patients with tracheostomy, 1-2 ml of a 20% solution may be given every 1-4 hours by instillation into the tracheostomy. KDCL Acetylcysteine is available in oral doses ranging from 600 mg to 2000 mg. The recommended dose for adults is 600 mg to 1200 mg twice daily, taken orally with food. For children, the dose is equivalent to 20 to 40 mg/kg per day in two divided doses.

Administration

KDCL Acetylcysteine should be taken orally with food. It is important to take the medication at regular intervals as prescribed. It is important to drink plenty of water when taking the medication to help with absorption and to minimize the side effects of nausea and vomiting.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of acetylcysteine are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other rare side effects include headache, blurred vision, skin rash, and fatigue.

Toxicity

Acetylcysteine is generally safe when used in recommended doses. Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage.

Precaution

Acetylcysteine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, as well as those taking medications that may affect renal function. It should also be used cautiously in patients with asthma, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some cases.

Interaction

Acetylcysteine may interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, antacids, and diuretics. It may also interact with certain herbs and supplements, such as turmeric, garlic, and ginseng.

Disease Interaction

Acetylcysteine may interact with certain diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease.

Drug Interaction

Acetylcysteine may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics, antacids, and diuretics.

Food Interactions

Acetylcysteine may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, iron-rich foods, and certain vitamins and minerals.

Pregnancy Use

Acetylcysteine should be used with caution during pregnancy, as it may cause harm to the fetus.

Lactation Use

Acetylcysteine should be used with caution while breastfeeding, as it may cause harm to the infant.

Acute Overdose

An overdose of acetylcysteine can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can cause kidney damage.

Contraindication

Acetylcysteine is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients.

Use Direction

KDCL Acetylcysteine should be taken orally with food. It is important to take this medication at the same time each day as prescribed. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids while taking the medication in order to help with absorption and to prevent dehydration.

Storage Condition

KDCL Acetylcysteine should be stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution for acetylcysteine is not known.

Half Life

The half-life of acetylcysteine is approximately 1.8 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of acetylcysteine is not known.

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