Uses
What is acetylcysteine used for?
Acetylcysteine is commonly used to prevent or decrease liver damage from an overdose of the medicine acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Acetylcysteine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Certain forms of acetylcysteine can be inhaled for a different use. See Acetylcysteine inhaled for more information.
How does acetylcysteine work (mechanism of action)?
Acetylcysteine may help protect the liver by binding to and reducing a toxic substance that is created when acetaminophen is broken down by the body.
How is acetylcysteine supplied (dosage forms)?
Acetylcysteine is available as Legubeti and generic acetylcysteine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 20% solution
- 500 mg packets of powder for oral solution
- 2.5 g packets of powder for oral solution
Acetylcysteine is also available in injectable forms.
How should I store acetylcysteine?
Oral Liquid. Acetylcysteine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Store an opened vial under refrigeration, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) for up to 96 hours.
Oral Powder. Acetylcysteine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep in the original package until ready for use.
Injection Liquid. Acetylcysteine is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of acetylcysteine?
The most common side effects of acetylcysteine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash with or without a fever
- Hives (urticaria) or itching
- Flushing or skin redness
There may be other side effects of acetylcysteine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of acetylcysteine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of acetylcysteine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Acetylcysteine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking acetylcysteine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, red skin (flushing), skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Stomach or Esophagus Bleeding. Acetylcysteine can worsen vomiting that you may have from taking too much acetaminophen. Severe and persistent vomiting may cause bleeding, especially in people who have stomach ulcers or enlarged blood vessels because of liver problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of bleeding while taking acetylcysteine.
- Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
- Red or black stools (looks like tar)
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use acetylcysteine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use acetylcysteine.
- Legubeti
- Acetadote
- Acetylcysteine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific acetylcysteine products they stock.
What should I know about acetylcysteine before using it?
Do not use acetylcysteine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share acetylcysteine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep acetylcysteine out of the reach of children.
If you are prescribed acetylcysteine oral liquid, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider to prepare with diet cola or other diet soft drinks. For feeding tubes, the oral liquid can be mixed with water. Take acetylcysteine oral liquid within one hour of mixing.
If you are prescribed acetylcysteine oral powder, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider to prepare with caffeine-free diet cola or other diet soft drinks. Once the powder is dissolved, take the solution within 1 hour. If you vomit a dose within 1 hour of taking, call your healthcare provider.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using acetylcysteine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if acetylcysteine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Asthma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any breathing problems such as asthma before you take acetylcysteine. Acetylcysteine can cause an allergic reaction, which can worsen your ability to breathe.
Liver Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any liver problems, including a type of high blood pressure called portal hypertension. Acetaminophen is broken down by the liver. You may need to take acetylcysteine for a longer period of time.
Stomach Ulcers or Esophageal Bleeding. Acetylcysteine can worsen vomiting that you may have from taking too much acetaminophen. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach ulcers or swollen blood vessels in the esophagus called esophageal varices because vomiting may cause or worsen bleeding from your stomach or esophagus.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how acetylcysteine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. However, delaying treatment with acetylcysteine may increase the harm to you and your baby from too much acetaminophen. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use acetylcysteine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if acetylcysteine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use acetylcysteine while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does acetylcysteine interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between acetylcysteine and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect acetylcysteine.
Does acetylcysteine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between acetylcysteine and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much acetylcysteine?
If you or someone else has used too much acetylcysteine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of acetylcysteine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.