What is acetylcysteine inhalation solution?
ACETYLCYSTEINE (Mucomyst(R), Mucosil(R)) 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 my health care professional know before I take acetylcysteine?
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?
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?

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?
• 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 should I watch for while taking acetylcysteine?
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.

What side effects may I notice from taking acetylcysteine?
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

Where can I keep my medicine?
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). After opening store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away unused open portion after 3 days (96 hours).
 
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