Acetylcysteine (inhalation)
WHAT IS IT?
Acetylcysteine in a group of drugs called mucolytics (drugs that destroy or dissolve the mucus). Acetylcysteine is usually given by inhalation but can be other ways in a hospital. Acetylcysteine is used to help make breathing easier in conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, tuberculosis and other lung diseases. Can also be used in patients with a tracheotomy.
If some of the information in this book will cause particular concern or would like more information about your medicine and its use, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of reach of children and never share your medicine with others.
BEFORE USING
Tell your doctor, nurse and pharmacist if you. . .
are allergic to any medication, whether prescribed or not;are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication; are breast-feeding; are taking any other prescription or not; have any other medical problems, especially asthma or other lung disease.
PROPER USE
Acetylcysteine Use only as directed. Do not use more of it or use it more often than directed. Doing so may increase the chance of side effects.
If you are using this medicine at home, make sure you understand exactly how it is used. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
After using acetylcysteine, try to cough up the mucus loosened or diluted. If this fails, you may have to suck them out. This will prevent mucus from accumulating in the lungs. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. Then use any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced intervals.
To store this medicine:
Keep out of reach of children. Before opening the container, keep away from heat and direct light. After opening the container, store in refrigerator. However, avoid the freezing of the drug. The open container should be discarded after 4 days. Do not keep outdated medicine or no longer needed. Make sure that any discarded medicine is out of reach of children.
PRECAUTIONS
If your condition does not improve, consult your doctor. Also check with your doctor if your condition worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects that should be reported to your doctor
Less common – vomiting blood, wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing (especially in patients with asthma)
Rare – rash or other skin irritation
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention
These side effects may go away during treatment, but if they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Less common – moist skin, fever, increase in the amount of mucus in the lungs, irritation or soreness of the mouth, throat or lungs, nausea or vomiting, nasal fluid
For patients using a face mask for inhalation of acetylcysteine: The mask can make your face sticky. This can be removed with water.
When you use acetylcysteine, you may notice that the drug has an unpleasant odor at first. However, this smell will go away soon after using the drug.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.