
Acetylcysteine
Martindel Classification: Cough suppressants, expectorants, mucosal emollients, and nasal decongestants
Therapeutic classification: Miscellaneous therapeutic agents> Antidotes
Indications Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine is used to treat acetaminophen poisoning and to prevent its toxic effects on the liver.
Prevention of contrast nephropathy as a mucolytic in bronchiectasis and fibrocystic patients
Mechanism of action of acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine can protect the liver against the toxic effects of the active metabolite acetaminophen by increasing glutathione levels and binding to the active metabolite.
Recovery of hepatic glutathione, breakdown of disulfide bond in mucoproteins
Pharmacokinetics of acetylcysteine
Onset of effect: 5-10 minutes
Peak time: 1-2 hours
Distribution: 0.47 L / kg
Elimination half-life: Adults: 5.6 hours; Infants: 11 hours
Effect length: about 1 hour
Protein binding: 80%
Metabolism: Hepatic
Excretion: urinary
Contraindications to the use of acetylcysteine
In severe asthma and sensitivity to acetylcysteine should not be used.
Side effects of acetylcysteine
Side effects of this drug are not very common but include allergic reactions, bronchoconstriction, facial edema, skin rash, anaphylaxis, dizziness, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Drug Interactions Acetylcysteine
It does not interact significantly with other drugs.
Warnings Acetylcysteine
Use with caution in case of gastric ulcer.
Acetylcysteine drug recommendations
1- The drug can be administered by intravenous injection.
Before treating acetaminophen poisoning, it is necessary to empty the contents of the stomach.
3- Treatment with this drug is done within the first 24 hours after poisoning.