Acetylcysteine

(a se teel SIS teen)

Dosage Forms

• This drug comes as an injection, an oral liquid, and a liquid for breathing in.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antidote
• Mucolytic Agent

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to acetylcysteine or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let doctor know if your child has any allergies or reactions to drugs, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs involved.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop damage after acetaminophen overdose.
• It is used to thin secretions so they can be removed from the body by coughing.

How does this drug work?

• Acetylcysteine thins fluids in the lungs.
• It stops not safe chemicals from forming.

How is this drug given?

• Liquid for breathing in:
• For breathing in only as a liquid (solution) through a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs.
• Have your child drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid every day unless told to drink less liquid by doctor.
• Injection:
• It is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.
• Oral:
• Mix with juice or soda and drink.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's normal time.
• Do not give two doses or extra doses.
• Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this drug?

• Have your child wear a disease medical alert ID (identification).
• Check your child's drugs with doctor. This drug may not mix well with other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Upset stomach or throwing up. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Cough.

What should I watch for?

• Change in health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with doctor.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted reactions happen, or if your child's is not better after taking this drug.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call doctor or ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How should I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Liquid for breathing in:
• Store opened vials in a refrigerator. Throw away any part not used after 4 days.
• Injection:
• This drug will be given to your child in a doctor office setting. You will not store it at home.

General facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she should wear allergy ID at all times.
• You can get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• This drug should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the drug becomes outdated.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada return any unused drugs back to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for health help about side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's doctor before giving him/her any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.