Drugs & Vitamins

Acetylcysteine Inhalation Solution Active Ingredients: Acetylcysteine Inhalation Solution Representative Names: Mucomyst Inhalation Solution, Mucosil Inhalation Solution What is acetylcysteine inhalation solution? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with acetylcysteine? What side effects may I notice from taking acetylcysteine? What should I watch for while taking acetylcysteine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is acetylcysteine inhalation solution? (Back to top) ACETYLCYSTEINE (Mucomyst®, Mucosil®) is a drug that makes mucus or sputum in the lungs easier to cough up; the drug loosens and thins the sputum. It can help improve breathing in patients with bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, tuberculosis, or other lung diseases. Generic acetylcysteine inhalation solutions are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •asthma, or breathing difficulty •peptic ulcer or other stomach illness •an unusual or allergic reaction to acetylcysteine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Acetylcysteine inhalation solution is inhaled into the lungs. For inhalation the solution may be diluted before use with sterile saline or water, the solution is then used with a nebulizer. Acetylcysteine can also be used by directly placing the solution into the trachea to help improve breathing. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or use this medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with acetylcysteine? (Back to top) •drug interactions with inhaled acetylcysteine are not expected. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking acetylcysteine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare: •coughing up blood •difficulty breathing •skin rash and itching (hives) •wheezing Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •changes in taste •drowsiness •mouth sores •nausea, vomiting •runny nose What should I watch for while taking acetylcysteine? (Back to top) If you are using acetylcysteine on a regular basis, consult your prescriber or health care professional if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse. If you are using a nebulizer at home, make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you are using acetylcysteine for breathing problems, drink plenty of water. This will help to loosen and thin mucus or sputum. You may notice an unpleasant smell when you begin using the inhalation. This will pass quickly once the treatment is complete. Inhalation can leave a sticky film in your mouth, and using a face mask can leave a sticky film on your face. This can be removed by rinsing or washing with water after each treatment. Acetylcysteine can interact with certain metals and rubber; do not mix in containers made of these materials. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). If only a portion of the solution in a vial is used, store the remaining undiluted portion in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) and use within 96 hours (4 days). Do not freeze. Last Updated:10/20/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.