It is a mucolytic agent that possesses marginal efficacy in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The drug is very effective in reversing the hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen poisoning.

Acetylcysteine exerts its mucolytic action through its free sulfhydryl group, which opens the disulfide bonds and lowers mucus viscosity. This action increases with increasing pH and is most significant at pH 7 to 9. Acetylcysteine may protect against acetaminophen overdose-induced hepatotoxicity by maintaining or restoring hepatic concentrations of glutathione.

Time to peak, plasma: Oral: 1-2 hour; Protein-binding: 83%; Metabolism: deacetylated by the liver to cysteine or oxidation to diacetylcystine and subsequently metabolized; Excretion: Renal: 22-30%, Fecal: 3%; Elimination half-life: adults: 5.6 hr, newborns: 11hrs

Hypersensitivity

B

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Bronchoconstriction, bronchospasm, and allergic reactions.

1. Disease of respiratory system with viscid, or inspissated mucous secretions: Adult & children > 6 years: 1 effervescent tab daily or twice daily. Before administration, disperse the effervescent tablet in water, using a drinking glass. 2.Acetaminophene poisoning: initial, 140 mg/kg ORALLY, then 70 mg/kg every 4 hr for 17 doses starting 4 hr after loading dose.