The U.S. FDA-approved Acetylcysteine to treat paracetamol overdose and respiratory conditions on January 23, 2004. Acetylcysteine is an antidote with an active ingredient called Acetylcysteine. It belongs to the medication class known as mucolytics agent. Acetylcysteine thins and loosens thick phlegm, making it easier to cough up and clear from the respiratory system. 

Acetylcysteine tablet is used to treat airway diseases such as bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes), emphysema (destruction and enlargement of the air sacs), mucoviscidosis (affecting the lungs and digestive system), and bronchiectasis (permanent widening and inflammation of the bronchial tubes). This medicine is only advised to use in adults and not suggested to use in children under two years. Acetylcysteine injection treats paracetamol overdose by protecting the liver from the damage caused by high paracetamol levels.

Effervescent tablet

Fill the glass halfway with water, drop a tablet in, wait for complete dissolution (a few mins), and stir gently if needed. Drink the entire glass. If any residue remains, add water and consume. Follow dosage instructions from the healthcare professional. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

Regular tablet: 

Take the Oxitres 600mg capsule as your physician advises. Swallow the tablets whole and intact. This tablet should be taken with food. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.

Capsule: 

Take the Acetylcysteine as your physician advises. Swallow the tablets whole and intact. This capsule should be taken with food. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Acetylcysteine are Bronchospasm (muscles tightening that line the airways), dyspnea (shortness of breath), and dyspepsia (indigestion).

Serious side effects while taking Acetylcysteine are swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, pain at the injection site, rash, itching, flushing, low or increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. 

Do not consume Acetylcysteine if you are allergic to Acetylcysteine and its other ingredients or if you have bronchial asthma. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have breathing difficulties, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you recently took an Acetylcysteine injection, had an adverse reaction to this medicine, or if you are on a sodium diet, as this medicine contains sodium.

Inform your physician if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss more fertility concerns with your doctor. The Acetylcysteine injection should be modified for patients weighing less than 40kg and individuals requiring fluid restriction. The efficacy of the medicine may decrease over time, but within 24 hours of the overdose, it can still be helpful. Your doctor may take a blood test before starting the treatment to monitor the paracetamol level in the blood. 

Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Contact your doctor for more concerns. If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately. Inform your doctor about any known allergies or medical conditions you have before receiving Acetylcysteine. If you notice any unexpected or severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing or an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. Inform your healthcare professional about any other medications or supplements you are consuming to avoid potential drug interactions. If you have any concerns regarding the therapy, consult your healthcare professional for information.

1. Alturix Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Jan 2022] [ Accessed on 27th May 2023],https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3447.pdf
2. Anna M Sadowska et al, Role of N-Acetylcysteine in the management of COPD, [Published on 2006] [Accessed on 27th May 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2707813/
3. Panpharma GmgH, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Dec 2019] [ Accessed on 27th May 2023],https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3447.pdf
4. Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on June 2013] [ Accessed on 27th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021539s012lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.