Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic indicated for the treatment of respiratory problems such as bronchitis, pneumonia or pulmonary emphysema, as it acts to relieve coughing with phlegm by fluidifying airway secretions and facilitating their elimination or expectoration.
This medicine can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, in the most serious cases, allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, and should not be used without medical advice.
Acetylcysteine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of tablets, syrup or granules, under the trade names Fluimucil, Flucistein, Aires or Cisteil, or under the generic name acetylcysteine.
What is it for
Acetylcysteine is indicated to relieve coughing with phlegm in the following situations:
- Acute or chronic bronchitis;
- Bronchitis caused by smoking;
- Pulmonary emphysema;
- Pneumonia;
- Lung collapse or closure of the bronchi;
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
- Cystic fibrosis.
Furthermore, acetylcysteine may also be indicated in case of poisoning due to accidental or voluntary ingestion of large quantities of paracetamol. See how treatment is carried out in case of poisoning.
Is acetylcysteine an antibiotic?
Acetylcysteine is not an antibiotic but a mucolytic, that is, it breaks down the dense, thick and viscous phlegm in the airways, making it easier to eliminate.
Dosage and how to use
Acetylcysteine must be taken orally, at the dose, times and duration of treatment established by the doctor. If you forget to take a dose at the right time, you should take it as soon as you remember, but you should skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
How acetylcysteine is used depends on the presentation and age of the person and includes:
1. Acetylcysteine children’s syrup (20 mg/mL)
Pediatric acetylcysteine syrup contains 20 mg of acetylcysteine for every 1 mL of solution, and is recommended for children over 2 years of age.
The recommended doses of pediatric syrup are:
- Children aged 2 to 4 years: the recommended dose of pediatric syrup is 5mL, which is equivalent to 100 mg of acetylcysteine, which can be taken 2 to 3 times a day, as advised by the pediatrician;
- Children aged 4 and over: the recommended dose of pediatric syrup is 5mL, 3 to 4 times a day, as advised by the pediatrician.
In cases of pulmonary complications from cystic fibrosis, the dose can be increased to 10 mL of pediatric syrup every 8 hours and its use must be guided by the pediatrician.
Pediatric acetylcysteine syrup should not be used by children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a doctor.
2. Acetylcysteine adult syrup (40 mg/mL)
The recommended dose of adult acetylcysteine syrup is 15 mL, which corresponds to 600 mg of acetylcysteine, once a day, preferably at night, for approximately 5 to 10 days.
In cases of pulmonary complications from cystic fibrosis, the dosage can be increased to 5 to 10 mL every 8 hours, according to medical recommendations.
3. Acetylcysteine effervescent tablet (200 mg and 600 mg)
The recommended dose of acetylcysteine in the form of an effervescent tablet is 1 effervescent tablet of 200 mg dissolved in a glass of water every 8 hours, or 1 effervescent tablet of 600 mg, once a day, preferably at night, for about 5 to 10 days, as per medical advice.
4. Acetylcysteine sachet
The acetylcysteine sachet contains 200 mg or 600 mg of acetylcysteine in granulated form and must be used orally, dissolving the entire contents of the sachet in 1 glass of water, mixing well until completely dissolved.
The recommended dose of acetylcysteine for adults is 1 sachet of 200 mg granules, 2 to 3 times a day, or 1 sachet of 600 mg granules, once a day, preferably at night. In cases of pulmonary complications from cystic fibrosis, the dosage can be increased to 200 to 400 mg every 8 hours, according to medical recommendations.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that may occur during acetylcysteine treatment are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal irritation.
Furthermore, in some cases, acetylcysteine can cause serious allergic reactions, and it is recommended to seek emergency care for an evaluation in case of symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain and swelling in the mouth, tongue or face. See more symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Does acetylcysteine make you sleepy?
Acetylcysteine does not normally make you sleepy. Although acetylcysteine sometimes causes low blood pressure, which can make you drowsy, this is not a common side effect of this medication.
When it is not indicated
Acetylcysteine should not be used by children under 2 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people who have a gastroduodenal ulcer.
Furthermore, this remedy should not be used by people who are allergic to acetylcysteine or any other component of the formula.
Acetylcysteine should not be used for dry coughs, as this medicine works by making the phlegm more liquid, making it easier to eliminate. In the case of a dry cough, the body does not produce phlegm, therefore, this remedy is not recommended for dry coughs.
