Generic Name and Formulations:
Acetylcysteine 100mg/mL, 200mg/mL; soln for inhalation; preservative-free.

Company:
Various generic manufacturers
Indications for Acetylcysteine Solution for Inhalation:
Adjuvant therapy in patients with abnormal, viscid, or inspissated mucous secretions in such conditions as: chronic bronchopulmonary disease, acute bronchopulmonary disease, pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis, tracheostomy care, pulmonary complications associated with surgery, use during anesthesia, post-traumatic chest conditions, atelectasis due to mucous obstruction, diagnostic bronchial studies.

Adults and Children:
See literature for administration of aerosol. Nebulization-face mask, mouth piece, tracheostomy: 1–10mL of 20% soln or 2–20mL of 10% soln every 2–6 hours; usual dose: 3–5mL of 20% soln or 6–10mL of 10% soln 3–4 times daily. Nebulization tent, croupette: individualize; requires very large volumes, occasionally as much as 300mL during a single treatment period; recommended dose is the volume of acetylcysteine (using 10% or 20%) that will maintain a very heavy mist for the desired period. Direct instillation: 1–2mL of 10% to 20% soln may be given as often as every hour. Tracheostomy: 1–2mL of 10% or 20% soln every 1–4 hours by instillation into the tracheostomy. Direct instillation into segment of bronchopulmonary tree: Under local anesthesia and direct vision, insert small plastic catheter into trachea; 2–5mL of 20% soln may be instilled by means of syringe connected to catheter. Percutaneous intrathecal catheter: 1–2mL of 20% soln or 2–4mL of 10% soln every 1–4 hours given by syringe attached to catheter. Diagnostic bronchograms: Two or three administrations of 1–2mL of 20% soln or 2–4mL of 10% soln should be given by nebulization or by instillation intratracheally, prior to procedure.

Warnings/Precautions:
Increased volume of bronchial secretions may occur after administration, airway must be maintained open. Asthma; monitor for bronchospasm; discontinue if occurs. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.

Interactions:
Do not mix with other drugs in nebulizer.

Pharmacological Class:
Mucolytic agent.

Adverse Reactions:
Stomatitis, GI upset, fever, rhinorrhea, drowsiness, clamminess, chest tightness, bronchoconstriction.

Note:
Formerly known under the brand name Mucomyst.

How Supplied:
Contact supplier.