Acetylcysteine: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic: it thins thick, sticky mucus so that it is easier to cough up. It is used in some chest conditions where mucus is a problem. The effervescent tablet is dissolved in water and drunk at once. It is not a general cough suppressant, and a cough that lasts for weeks needs a doctor.
Also known as: N-acetylcysteine, NAC, Acetylcysteine effervescent tablets
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Acetylcysteine work?
Acetylcysteine breaks the chemical links that make mucus thick and sticky. The mucus becomes thinner and easier to clear from the airways by coughing.
How to take Acetylcysteine
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Dissolve the effervescent tablet fully in a glass of water and drink it straight away. Keep well hydrated unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Side effects of Acetylcysteine
Most people tolerate acetylcysteine well. Side effects are usually mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea or stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, rash or difficulty breathing (an allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Wheeze or tightness in the chest that is new or worse
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Severe skin reactions such as blisters or peeling skin
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before using acetylcysteine, or need extra care while using it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to acetylcysteine or any ingredient
- Asthma or other conditions with airway tightening: it can occasionally cause bronchospasm, so use only as your doctor advises
- Present or past stomach or duodenal ulcer
- A cough that lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with fever, chest pain or breathlessness, needs a doctor's assessment
- Allergy to acetylcysteine or any ingredient
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor before use
- The effervescent tablet contains sodium; people on a low-salt diet or with kidney or heart conditions should check with a doctor
Medicines and things that interact with Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine can affect how other medicines work. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Some antibiotics (for example certain tetracyclines and cephalosporins): take them at least about 2 hours apart from acetylcysteine
- Cough suppressants: they can stop mucus being cleared and are generally avoided with it
- Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate): the blood-pressure-lowering effect and headache may increase
If someone takes too much
Taking much more than advised can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. If someone has taken a lot more than advised, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. The schedule status should be confirmed on the pack. Single-ingredient acetylcysteine is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Combination products contain other medicines too, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Acetylcysteine belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Acetylcysteine
These medicines sold in India contain Acetylcysteine. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Mucinac 600 · 600 mg effervescent tablet
What is Acetylcysteine used for?
Medicines that contain Acetylcysteine are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Acetylcysteine.
Common questions
What is acetylcysteine used for?
The oral form is used to loosen thick, sticky mucus in some chest conditions, so it is easier to cough up. A doctor decides whether it suits you and for how long.
How do I take an effervescent tablet?
Drop the tablet in a glass of water, wait until it has fully dissolved and fizzing stops, and drink it straight away. Follow the label or your doctor's advice on timing.
Can I take it with antibiotics?
Some antibiotics should be taken at least about 2 hours apart from acetylcysteine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the timing for the antibiotic you have been given.
Does it stop a cough?
No. It thins mucus so you can cough it up and is not a cough suppressant. A cough lasting more than a few weeks, or with breathlessness or chest pain, needs a doctor.
Is Mucinac the same as acetylcysteine?
Mucinac is a brand name for medicines containing acetylcysteine. Check the strength and form on the pack before switching products.
Sources
- NACSYS 600 mg effervescent tablets: summary of product characteristics. electronic Medicines Compendium (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: R05CB Mucolytics. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- Cough. NHS (UK)