Brand Names

How to Use

Use acetylcysteine only as directed . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your family doctor ordered. To do so may increase the risk of side effects.

If you are using this drug at home, make sure you understand exactly how to use it. If you have any questions about this, check with your family doctor.

After using acetylcysteine, try to cough up the loosened or thinned mucus. If this does not work, it may have to be suctioned out. This will prevent too much mucus from building up in the lungs. If you have any questions about this, check with your family doctor.

Dosage

The amount of solution that you use depends on the strength of the drug and the method of inhalation using. Always the number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses and the length of time you use the drug depend on the medical problem for which you are using acetylcysteine .

• For inhalation dosage form - solution:
  • To thin or dissolve mucus in lung diseases:
    • Adults and children
      • 3 to 5 milliliters - mL of a 20% solution or 6 to 10 mL of a 10% solution using in a nebulizer three or four times a day. The drug is inhaled through a face mask, mouthpiece, or tracheostomy.
      • The 10 or 20% solution may be using for inhalation as a heavy mist in a tent or croupette.
      • Sometimes the 10 or 20% solution is placed directly into the trachea or through a catheter into the trachea for certain conditions.
  • For use in tests to diagnose lung problems:
    • Adults and children 1 to 2 mL of a 20% solution or 2 to 4 mL of a 10% solution using for inhalation or placed directly into the trachea two or three times before the test.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, use it as soon as possible. Then use any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced intervals.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Before the container is opened, store it away from heat and direct light.
• After the container is opened, store it in the refrigerator. However, keep the drug from freezing. The opened container must be discarded after 4 days.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.