Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic, expectorant and detoxifying drug.
All these effects are due to the presence in its chemical structure of a free sulfhydryl group that disrupts disulfide bond in acidic mucopolysaccharides of sputum, reduces the viscosity of mucous secretions and inhibits the polymerization of mucoproteins.
On this page you will find all information about Acetylcysteine: the full instructions for use on this medication, average prices in pharmacies, complete and incomplete analogs of the drug, as well as reviews of people who have already used Acetylcysteine. Want to leave your opinion? Please write in the comments.
Clinical and pharmacological group
Mucolytic agent, is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine.
Conditions of leave from pharmacies
The drug is allowed to be over-the-counter.
Price list
How much does Acetylcysteine cost? The average price in pharmacies is at the level of250 rubles.
Form of issue and composition
Form release:
- Solution for inhalation (20%);
- Solution for injection (10%);
- Powder for solution for oral administration.
The main active substance of the drug is acetylcysteine.
Pharmacological effect
Acetylcysteine dilutes sputum and, increasing its volume, facilitates its separation. The medication has no effect on immunity and is effective in various types of sputum, including purulent. In addition to expectorant, Acetylcysteine has an antioxidant effect, which is due to the ability to neutralize oxidative toxins.
Also, the drug has a slight anti-inflammatory effect, which is associated with the suppression of the formation of free radicals and oxygen-containing active substances, which are responsible for the development of the inflammatory process in the lung tissue.
Indications for use
Acetylcysteine is indicated in conditions accompanied by the formation of mucopurulent, viscous sputum, as well as in diseases of the respiratory system:
- bronchial asthma;
- bronchiectasis;
- atelectasis (as a result of blockage of the bronchi by a mucous plug);
- sinusitis;
- chronic and acute bronchitis;
- tracheitis (as a result of a viral or bacterial infection);
- pneumonia;
- cystic fibrosis.
The drug is used to remove the viscous secretion from the respiratory tract in postoperative and post-traumatic states; for preparation for bronchography, bronchoscopy, aspiration drainage; for washing the nasal passages, abscesses, middle ear, maxillary sinuses; fistula treatment, as well as the operating field in operations on the mastoid process and the oral cavity.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of acetylcysteine are:
- Presence of hemoptysis and pulmonary hemorrhage in the anamnesis.
- Lactation and pregnancy.
- Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient (acetylcysteine) or other auxiliary or formative components of the drug.
- Child age: children under two years of age do not use a drug in the form of granules to prepare a solution in a dose of 100 mg and 200 mg, children under six years of age - Acetylcysteine in the form of granules in a dose of 200 mg and children up to fourteen years old - a drug in a dose of 600 mg.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by the presence of erosions or ulcerative processes in the phase of exacerbation (peptic ulcer and / or duodenal ulcer, Crohn's disease).
Carefully and under constant dynamic supervision of the attending physician this drug is prescribed for patients with varicose dilatation veins of the esophagus, with adrenal diseases, with bronchial asthma, as well as with hepatic and / or renal insufficiency.
Application in pregnancy and lactation
Controlled clinical studies of drug safety during pregnancy were not conducted. The use of acetylcysteine during pregnancy is possible if the expected benefit for the mother's recovery is higher than the risk to the fetus or newborn.
Instructions for use
The instructions for use indicate that Acetylcysteine tablets are prescribed inside adults and children over 6 years of age - 200 mg 2-3 times / day; children aged 2 to 6 years - 200 mg 2 times / day or 100 mg 3 times / day, up to 2 years - 100 mg 2 times / day.
With inhalation and intratracheal application, the dose, frequency of application and duration of the course are set individually.
Locally - instilled in the external auditory meatus and nasal passages of 150-300 mg (1.5-3 ml) per 1 procedure.
Side effects
Side effects are rare. In some cases, the use of acetylcysteine may occur:
- Nasal bleeding and tinnitus;
- Skin rash, itching, hives, bronchospasm;
- Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a feeling of a full stomach.
When using the drug for inhalation, local irritation of the respiratory tract and reflex cough are possible, much less often - stomatitis or rhinitis.
Overdose
An overdose medicine can causediarrhea, nausea, pain in the abdomen,Heartburn, vomiting.
Therapy is symptomatic. In case of severe symptoms of overdose, it is necessary to consult an expert immediately.
special instructions
- Acetylcysteine can not be taken concomitantly with antibiotics, between taking these medications it is necessary to observe an interval of 1-2 hours.
- Acetylcysteine is prescribed with caution to patients with liver, adrenal and kidney diseases. When using the drug in patients with bronchial asthma should provide sputum drainage.
- Acetylcysteine reacts with materials such as rubber, copper and iron used in inhalation devices, it is necessary to apply parts that are made of the following materials: plastic, glass, chrome-plated metal, silver of the sample, aluminum, tantalum or stainless steel. After contact with Acetylcysteine, silver can fade, but this does not affect the effectiveness of the drug and does not harm the patient's health.
Drug Interactions
When conducting treatment, it should be borne in mind that:
- When combined with nitroglycerin, the vasodilator action of the latter may be enhanced;
- Upon contact with rubber and metals, sulphides with a characteristic odor are formed;
- Acetylcysteine is not pharmaceutically compatible with solutions of other drugs;
- Acetylcysteine reduces the absorption of drugs of the penicillin group, cephalosporin, tetracycline. Therefore, an interval of at least 2 hours between their application should be observed.
Reviews
This drug receives a variety of reviews. Many of them are positive. Those who have tried this tool report its effectiveness. However, there are also negative opinions about Acetylcysteine. They write about the fact that the drug did not help. Therefore, people often start looking for other, more effective means.
Analogues
Synonyms for the drug are the drugs Acestin, ACC, Mukonex, N-AC-Ratiopharm and Fluimutsil.
Analogues of Acetylcysteine are such drugs as:
- Ambrogen;
- Ambroxol;
- Bromhexine;
- Josette;
- Cough;
- Lazolvan;
- Medox;
- Neo-Bronhol;
- Pulmonizing;
- Remebroks;
- Solvyn;
- Fluviert;
- Haliksol.
Before using analogues, consult your doctor.
Storage conditions and shelf life
Acetylcysteine, according to the instructions, should be stored in a dry, inaccessible to children and light room, at temperatures not exceeding 30 ° C.
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