Acetylcystine
Trade names: N-acetylcystine, Mucomyst
Class: Antidotes (for acetaminophen), mucolytic
Pregnancy: (Category B)
Action:
• PO: Decreases the buildup of a hepatotoxic metabolite
in acetaminophen overdosage
Inhal: Degrades mucus, allowing easier
mobilization and expectoration.
Uses:
• PO: Emergency (within 24 hr)
management of potentially hepatotoxic overdosage of acetaminophen
• Inhal: Mucolytic in the
management of conditions associated with thick viscid mucous secretions.
Dose:
IV infusion 150 mg/kg in 200 ml of D 5%
over 15 min then 50mg /kg in 500
ml of D 5% over 4 hours then 100 mg/kg/ 16 hours in 1 L of D5% .
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity.
Side effects:
§
CNS:
drowsiness.
§
EENT:
rhinorrhea.
§
Resp:
bronchial/tracheal irritation, bronchoconstriction, chest tightness, increased
secretions.
§
GI:
nausea, vomiting, stomatitis.
§
Derm:
clamminess, urticaria.
§
Misc:
chills, fever.
Nursing
considerations:
With the administration of MUCOMYST, the
patient may observe initially a slight disagreeable odor that is soon not
noticeable. With a face mask there may be stickiness on the face after
nebulization. This is easily removed by washing with water.
