About n acetyl cysteine
Mucolytic; glutathione precursor
Used for
- Thins mucus in respiratory conditions
- Used for acetaminophen overdose under medical supervision
Usual adult dose
Mucus: 200 mg three times daily or 600 mg once daily. Overdose: specialist-directed regimen.
Usual dose in children
Mucus: commonly 100–200 mg two or three times daily, depending on age. Overdose: specialist-directed regimen.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Unpleasant sulfur-like smell or taste
- Rash or itching
- Rarely, breathing difficulty or severe allergic reaction
Important warnings
- Overdose treatment requires urgent medical supervision.
- May worsen bronchospasm in people with asthma.
- Seek urgent care for swelling or breathing difficulty.
- Dosing varies by indication, age, and local product guidance.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically needed; evidence is limited, and overdose treatment should not be delayed.
Breastfeeding
Transfer into breast milk is expected to be low; use when clinically needed.
Interactions
- Activated charcoal may reduce absorption when taken by mouth.
- Nitroglycerin may cause increased headache or low blood pressure.
- Some antibiotics may need to be taken separately; check product guidance.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.