Full Answer
What is acetylcysteine solution?
Acetylcysteine Solution is for inhalation (mucolytic agent) or oral administration (acetaminophen antidote), and available as sterile, unpreserved solutions (not for injection). Acetylcysteine is the N-acetyl derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid, L-cysteine. Chemically, it is N-acetyl-L-cysteine.
Does N-acetylcysteine inhibit antibiotic activity and bacterial growth?
Effect of N-acetylcysteine on antibiotic activity and bacterial growth in vitro The antibiotic bacerial inactivity of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and its interaction with penicillin and aminocyclitol antibiotics was evaluated. NAC inhibited growth of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
Is acetylcysteine nonteratogenic?
Acetylcysteine was found to be nonteratogenic under the conditions of the study. In the rabbit, two groups (one of 14 and one of 16 pregnant females) were exposed to an aerosol of 10% acetylcysteine and 0.05% isoproterenol hydrochloride for 30 and 35 minutes twice a day from the 6th through the 18th day of pregnancy.
Why is acetylcysteine diluted before oral administration?
Dilution of the acetylcysteine (see Preparation of Acetylcysteine for Oral Administration) minimizes the propensity of oral acetylcysteine to aggravate vomiting. Oral administration of acetylcysteine, especially in the large doses needed to treat acetaminophen overdose, may result in nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Is acetylcysteine A antibiotic?
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (1,–3). Accumulating evidence also points to intrinsic antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities in some cases (4).
What type of drug is N-acetylcysteine?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medicine widely used to treat paracetamol overdose and as a mucolytic compound. It has a well-established safety profile, and its toxicity is uncommon and dependent on the route of administration and high dosages.
What is acetylcysteine good for?
As a prescription drug, doctors use NAC to treat acetaminophen overdose. It may also help break up mucus in people with some lung diseases, like chronic bronchitis. As a supplement, some people use NAC to try to protect the liver. There's evidence it can help prevent kidney or neurologic damage caused by some drugs.
Can I take antibiotics with N acetyl cysteine?
If you are taking antibiotics, NAC should not be taken, as it may weaken their beneficial effects.
How many days can I take acetylcysteine?
Use it within four days. If you need to dilute your dose, be sure to use the diluted solution within one hour.
Does N-acetylcysteine damage kidneys?
NAC attenuated cell damage in AKI but was associated with enhanced progression to chronic kidney pathologies. NAC was selected following in vitro experiments that demonstrated its superior antioxidant activity in oxidative stress-induced kidney epithelial cell injury.
What should not be taken with acetylcysteine?
Acetylcysteine has no known severe interactions with other drugs. Acetylcysteine has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
Can I take acetylcysteine everyday?
Twice daily administration or three times daily administration is commonly recommended by the manufactures. There is no recommended daily allowance for NAC, because unlike vitamins, it's not an essential nutrient.
What is another name for acetylcysteine?
Acetylcysteine, also known as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is a medication that is used to treat paracetamol overdose and to loosen thick mucus in individuals with chronic bronchopulmonary disorders like pneumonia and bronchitis. It has been used to treat lactobezoar in infants.
Does NAC help with bacterial infections?
Research demonstrates that NAC can be used in combination with antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents to enhance a pathogenic bacterial colonies' susceptibility to the effects of such treatments.
Is NAC antibacterial?
Within the limitations of this in vitro study, we conclude that NAC has excellent antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against endodontic pathogens and may be used as an alternative intracanal medicament in root canal therapies.
Who should avoid taking NAC?
Children: N-acetyl cysteine is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses of 900-2700 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Allergy: Don't use N-acetyl cysteine if you are allergic to acetyl cysteine. Asthma: N-acetyl cysteine might cause bronchospasm in people with asthma if inhaled or taken by mouth.
Is N-acetylcysteine a drug or supplement?
NAC has many uses and is an FDA approved drug. N-acetyl cysteine is an antioxidant that might play a role in preventing cancer. As a drug, it's used by healthcare providers to treat acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning. It works by binding the poisonous forms of acetaminophen that are formed in the liver.
What is the mechanism of action of N-acetylcysteine?
In addition to its antioxidant action, N-acetylcysteine acts as a vasodilator by facilitating the production and action of nitric oxide. This property is an important mechanism of action in the prophylaxis of contrast-induced nephropathy and the potentiation of nitrate-induced vasodilation.
Is N-acetylcysteine an anti-inflammatory?
Core tip: N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that has been considered beneficial in the treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Is NAC a drug or supplement?
As we discussed in a recent response to two citizen petitions, the FDA has determined that NAC is excluded from the dietary supplement definition under the FD&C Act because NAC was approved as a new drug before it was marketed as a dietary supplement or as a food.
Dosage and Administration
GeneralAcetylcysteine Solution 10% and 20% is available in glass vials containing 30 mL. The 20% solution may be diluted to a lesser concentration...
Principal Display Panel - 30 Ml Vial Label - 10%
30 mLNOT FOR INJECTION10%ACETYLCYSTEINESolution, USPFor Inhalation (Mucolytic Agent) orOral Administration(Acetaminophen Antidote).Hospira, Inc., L...
Principal Display Panel - 30 Ml Vial Carton - 10%
30 mL3 Units/NDC 0409-3307-0310%ACETYLCYSTEINESolution, USPFor Inhalation (Mucolytic Agent)or Oral Administration(Acetaminophen Antidote).NOT FOR I...
Principal Display Panel - 30 Ml Vial Label - 20%
30 mLNOT FOR INJECTION20%ACETYLCYSTEINESolution, USPFor Inhalation (Mucolytic Agent) or OralAdministration (Acetaminophen Antidote). Maybe diluted...
Principal Display Panel - 30 Ml Vial Carton - 20%
30 mL3 Units/NDC 0409-3308-03Rx only20%AcetylcysteineSolution, USPFor Inhalation (Mucolytic Agent) or Oral Administration (Acetaminophen Antidote)....
What are the most common adverse events?
The most common adverse events were anaphylactoid reaction, nause a, vomiting, flushing, and skin rash. [ Ref]
What are the respiratory symptoms?
Respiratory symptoms were defined as presence of any of the following: cough, wheezing, stridor, shortness of breath, chest tightness, respiratory distress, or bronchospasm. [ Ref] Common (1% to 10%): Respiratory symptoms, pharyngitis, rhinorrhea, rhonchi, throat tightness.
What are the side effects of acetylcysteine?
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking acetylcysteine: Incidence not known. Difficulty with breathing or swallowing. fever. hives or itching. nausea. rash with or without a fever. reddening of the skin, especially around the ears. severe or ongoing vomiting.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention 1 Difficulty with breathing or swallowing 2 fever 3 hives or itching 4 nausea 5 rash with or without a fever 6 reddening of the skin, especially around the ears 7 severe or ongoing vomiting 8 swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose 9 unusual tiredness or weakness
Does acetylcysteine need immediate medical attention?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of acetylcysteine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
What is the most common pathogen in the world?
Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori) is one of the most common pathogens to establish and cause infection in human beings, affecting about 50% of the world's population. Prevalence may be as high as 83% in Latin American countries and as low as 17% in North America. Approximately 20% of infected people will manifest disease; people at high risk include those who live in low- and middle-income countries with poor sanitary conditions, since the mechanism of transmission seems to be oral-oral or faecal-oral (mostly during infancy). There are several antibiotic regimens to treat the infection, but antibiotic resistance is growing around the world. New adjuvant drugs — such as probiotics, statins, curcumin, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) — are being tested to enhance eradication rates.
What is N-acetylcysteine used for?
N-acetylcysteine taken with antibiotics for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.
What are the new drugs that are being tested for antibiotic resistance?
New adjuvant drugs — such as probiotics, statins, curcumin, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) — are being tested to enhance eradication rates. N-acetylcysteine can destabilise the biofilm structure; it also has synergic action ...
How is a stomach infection treated?
The infection is treated using antibiotics and a drug which reduces acid production in the stomach. However, rates of antibiotic resistance are rising around the world, which is reducing the cure rates even with treatment. New medications are being tested to improve cure rates. One of these medications is N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC is a drug that helps to dissolve mucus in respiratory diseases. It can be taken by mouth (orally) or injected into a vein (intravenous). NAC can destroy some mechanisms of survival of H pylori and could improve cure rates.
What is the name of the bacteria that lives in the stomach?
Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori) is a bacteria that lives in the stomach and might cause several diseases such as gastric cancer, ulcer disease, and others. Colonisation occurs in about one-half of the world's population and is more common in countries with poor sanitary conditions. People become infected by consuming contaminated water.
How common is Helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori) is one of the most common pathogens to establish and cause infection in human beings, affecting about 50% of the world's population. Prevalence may be as high as 83% in Latin American countries and as low as 17% in North America.
Does N-acetylcysteine destabilize the biofilm structure?
N-acetylcysteine can destabilise the biofilm structure; it also has synergic action with antibiotics, and bactericidal effects. In addition, NAC has antioxidant properties, and has a primary mucolytic effect by reducing the thickness of the gastric mucus layer, both of which may exert beneficial adjuvant effects on H pylori eradication.
Overview
- Acetylcysteine inhalation solution is only available as a generic drug.
Acetylcysteine comes in three forms: inhalation solution, injectable solution, and oral effervescent tablet. - Acetylcysteine inhalation solution is used to help break up thick, sticky mucus that can form in y…
Warning for people with asthma: Make sure someone is with you when you take acetylcysteine. You’re at increased risk of wheezing, tightness in your chest, and trouble breathing (bronchospasm) after inhaling this drug.
Why it’s used
- Acetylcysteine inhalation solution is used to help break up the thick, sticky mucous that can form in your airways if you have certain diseases. These diseases include:
How it works
- Acetylcysteine belongs to a class of drugs called mucolytics. A class of drugs is a group of medi…
Acetylcysteine reacts with the chemicals in mucous to make it less sticky and easier to cough up. This will help clear your airways and make it easier for you to breathe.
More common side effects
- Some of the more common side effects that can occur with use of acetylcysteine include:
increased coughing (as acetylcysteine breaks up the mucous in your airways) - mouth sores or painful swelling
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
- Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-th…
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss … - Acetylcysteine may interact with other medications
Acetylcysteine inhalation solution may interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
Allergy warning
- Acetylcysteine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
swelling of your throat or tongue - If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).
Warning for people with asthma
- After inhaling this drug, you’re at increased risk of wheezing, tightness in your chest, and trouble breathing. Make sure someone is with you when you take acetylcysteine.
Warnings for other groups
- For pregnant women: Acetylcysteine is a category B pregnancy drug. That means two things:
Studies of the drug in pregnant animals have not shown a risk to the fetus. - There aren’t enough studies done in pregnant women to show if the drug poses a risk to the fetus.
Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Forms and strengths
- Strengths: 10% (100 mg/mL) solution or 20% (200 mg/mL) solution
Dosage for breaking up mucous in your airways
- Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
Nebulized into a face mask, mouth piece, or tracheostomy. The recommended dosage for most people is 3–5 mL of the 20% solution, or 6–10 mL of the 10% solution, three to four times per day. However, doses can range from 1–10 mL of the 20% solution or 2–20 mL of the 10% solution. T… - Nebulized into a tent. You will need to use enough acetylcysteine (10% or 20%) to maintain a he…
Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)
Storage
- Store unopened acetylcysteine vials at room temperature. Keep them at temperatures ranging fr…
If you open a vial and use only some of the solution inside it, store the rest in a refrigerator. Use it within four days.
Refills
- A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
Travel
- When traveling with your medication:
Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag. - Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
Self-management
- Checking lung function: Your doctor may have you check how well your lungs are working. To d…
Using a nebulizer: To take this drug, you need to use a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a machine that turns the drug into a mist that you inhale. Not all nebulizers work in the same way. Your doctor will tell you which type to use and will show you how to use it.
Clinical monitoring
- Your doctor will check your lung function with pulmonary function tests. These are breathing tests.
Availability
- Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.
Hidden costs
- You need a nebulizer to use this drug at home. A nebulizer is a machine that turns the liquid solu…
Depending on your condition, you may need to buy a peak flow meter. You can buy a peak flow meter at your local pharmacy. - There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than o…
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consu…