Acetylcysteine

• Acetylcysteine

• Mucomyst

Classification:

• Mucolytic agent

Mechanism of Action:

• Protects liver cells by maintaining or restoring glutathione levels or by acting as an alternate substrate for conjugation and detoxification of acetaminophens reactive metabolite

Indications:

• To prevent or lessen hepatic injury that may occur after ingestion of a hepatotoxic dose of acetaminophen

Contraindications:

• None when used as an antidote

Precautions:

• Asthmatics
• Esophageal varices
• Peptic ulcer
• Dilution with saline minimizes the risk of vomiting

Adverse Effects:

• Drowsiness
• Bronchospasm
• Chest tightness
• Tachycardia
• Hypotension/hypertension
• Rhinorrhea
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Dose:

• 150 mg/kg in 250 ml NS over 15 min
• 50 mg/kg in 500 ml NS over 4 hours
• 100 mg/kg in 1000 ml NS over 16 hours
• Administer in full doses unless blood work reveals a non-toxic level of acetaminophen; total 300 mg/kg in 20 hours

• IV

• Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS)