Acetylcysteine ​​is an expectorant

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1. Uses of the drug Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine ​​is an expectorant drug that thins mucus so that it can easily flow through the lungs. The mechanism of action of the drug when entering the trachea to reduce the viscosity of sputum is to cleave the disulfide bridge in the mucoprotein and facilitate the expulsion of sputum when coughing or sneezing, using orthostatic drainage or by other methods. mechanics. Drugs to aid routine clearance in tracheostomy.
However, not every patient can use the drug. Acetylcysteine ​​is contraindicated in patients with asthma or a history of asthma. Due to the possible risk of bronchospasm reactions with all forms of acetylcysteine ​​​​containing drugs). Currently, there are many drugs containing acetylcysteine, so asthma patients are difficult to classify and exclude. Therefore, when using the drug, you need to read the label carefully or consult your doctor, pharmacist. Do not be subjective because it will be harmful to health.
The use of acetylcysteine ​​​​with cough medicines, cough suppressants, drugs that reduce bronchial secretion also cause unwanted side effects. In addition, if there is a lot of sputum in the bronchi, it is necessary to aspirate the sputum if the patient's ability to cough is reduced.
Acetylcysteine ​​drugs have similar forms and concentrations such as:
Capsules, oral pills: 100mg, 200mg Powder form, oral pills: 100mg, 200mg Solution: 10% (100mg/mL), 20% (200mg/mL) mL).

2. Dosage and administration of acetylcysteine

For the drug acetylcysteine, adults and children will have different dosages and ways of use:
For adults In the inhaled form, patients use 3-5 ml of 20% solution or 6-10 ml of 10% solution. Use in a spray bottle three or four times a day. The drugs are inhaled through a mask, mouthpiece, or tracheostomy. 10 or 20% solutions are inhaled as a thick mist in a mask.
Sometimes 10 or 20% solutions are placed directly into the trachea or through a catheter into the trachea under certain conditions.
For the case, for diagnostic testing of lung diseases, use 1-2 ml of 20% solution or 2-4 ml of 10% solution inhaled or used before the test is placed directly into the air. administered two or three times.
For children Inhalation, give children 3-5 ml of 20% solution or 6 to 10 ml of 10% solution used in a nebulizer three or four times a day. Through a mask, mouthpiece, or tracheostomy, the drugs are inhaled. 10 or 20% solutions are inhaled as a thick mist in a mask.
Sometimes 10 or 20% solutions are placed directly into the trachea or through a catheter into the trachea under certain conditions.
For the case, for diagnostic testing of lung diseases, 1-2 ml of 20% solution or 2-4 ml of 10% solution are inhaled or placed directly into the trachea two or three times before test.

3. Be careful when taking acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine ​​is safe for pregnant and lactating women. Even, the drug is highly effective for pregnant women when treating paracetamol overdose with acetylcysteine ​​and has the ability to prevent liver toxicity in babies as well as pregnant women.
However, patients should use caution when using the drug if there is a history of drug allergy, because it has a risk of asthma.
Some symptoms patients may experience due to side effects of the drug such as:
Nausea, vomiting Drowsiness, headache, tinnitus Inflammation of the mouth, runny nose Rash, urticaria Bronchospasm with reaction Systemic anaphylactoid reactions (rare) Fever, chills The patient should use diluted acetylcysteine ​​solution to limit vomiting and nausea. Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, pruritus, nausea, vomiting, dizziness) can be inhibited (precaution) by taking an antihistamine before taking...

4. What does Acetylcysteine ​​​​interact with? Methods of preservation

4.1 Drug Interactions When using Acetylcysteine, patients should carefully consult their doctor about the interactions that the drug may cause. To be safe, please list a list of drugs and functional foods being used by your doctor for advice, to avoid self-medication. Acetylcysteine ​​has several interactions such as:
1 Some metals also react with acetylcysteine, especially iron, nickel, copper and with rubber. Acetylcysteine ​​is also physically incompatible with acetylcysteine ​​solutions with iodized oil, trypsin and hydrogen peroxide. Acetylcysteine ​​interacts with the drugs Carbamazepine and Nitroglycerin. But these two drugs are highly effective when treating the disease. So your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both medicines. Food and alcohol can interact with the drug acetylcysteine. While taking the drug, you should limit the use of alcohol and tobacco.

In addition, patients should also be aware of possible problems when using an overdose of acetylcysteine. There have been cases of death due to overdose of acetylcysteine ​​​​while being treated for paracetamol poisoning. Some symptoms patients experience when using the drug overdose such as:
Respiratory failure Hemolysis Disseminated intravascular coagulation Renal failure 4.2 How to store Acetylcysteine ​​should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, away from light. shining. Medicines should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Before use, you should carefully read the storage instructions on the package, or ask your pharmacist.
Absolutely do not store in the bathroom, in the freezer, throw the medicine in the toilet or water pipe unless required, do not use expired medicine.
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