Generic name: acetylcysteine (inhalation route) [ a-seet-il-SIS-teen ]
Drug class: Mucolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 27, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Mucomyst

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Bronchial

Chemical Class: Amino Acid

Uses for Mucomyst

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic (medicine that destroys or dissolves mucus). It is usually given by inhalation but may be given in other ways in a hospital.

Acetylcysteine is used for certain lung conditions when increased amounts of mucus make breathing difficult. Acetylcysteine liquefies (thins) or dissolves mucus so that it may be coughed up. Sometimes the mucus may have to be removed by suction.

This medicine is available only with your doctor''s prescription.

Before using Mucomyst

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of acetylcysteine in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of acetylcysteine in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Carbamazepine
• Nitroglycerin

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Asthma—Acetylcysteine may make the condition worse

• Decreased ability to cough—The mucus may have to be removed by suctioning

Proper use of Mucomyst

Use acetylcysteine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

If you are using this medicine at home, make sure you understand exactly how to use it. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

After using acetylcysteine, try to cough up the loosened or thinned mucus. If this does not work, it may have to be suctioned out. This will prevent too much mucus from building up in the lungs. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor''s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For inhalation dosage form (solution):
  • To thin or dissolve mucus in lung diseases:
    • Adults and children—
      • 3 to 5 milliliters (mL) of a 20% solution or 6 to 10 mL of a 10% solution used in a nebulizer three or four times a day. The medicine is inhaled through a face mask, mouthpiece, or tracheostomy.
      • The 10 or 20% solution may be used for inhalation as a heavy mist in a tent or croupette.
      • Sometimes the 10 or 20% solution is placed directly into the trachea or through a catheter into the trachea for certain conditions.
  • For use in tests to diagnose lung problems:
    • Adults and children—1 to 2 mL of a 20% solution or 2 to 4 mL of a 10% solution used for inhalation or placed directly into the trachea two or three times before the test.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Store unopened vials of this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. An open vial of medicine must be used right away.

The opened container should be discarded after 4 days.

Precautions while using Mucomyst

If your condition does not improve or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Mucomyst side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Wheezing, tightness in chest, or difficulty in breathing (especially in asthma patients)

Rare

• Skin rash or other irritation

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Clammy skin
• fever
• increase in amount of mucus in lungs
• irritation or soreness of mouth, throat, or lungs
• nausea or vomiting
• runny nose

For patients using a face mask for inhalation of acetylcysteine: the mask may leave a stickiness on your face. This can be removed with water.

When you use acetylcysteine, you may notice that the medicine has an unpleasant odor at first. However, this smell will go away soon after you use the medicine.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Frequently asked questions

• What is Fluimucil used for?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Mucus Relief

Generic name: guaifenesin [ gwye-FEN-e-sin ]
Brand names: Altarussin, Bidex-400, Fenesin IR, Geri-Tussin Expectorant, Mucinex, ... show all 11 brands Mucus Relief, Robafen, Scot-Tussin, Siltussin SA, Tussin Expectorant, Xpect
Drug class: Expectorants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 15, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Mucus Relief?

Mucus Relief is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, flu, or chronic bronchitis.

Mucus Relief helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

There are many brands and forms of guaifenesin available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Mucus Relief may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Mucus Relief if you have health problems or use other medications, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Mucus Relief if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using Mucus Relief.

How should I take Mucus Relief?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

To use Mucus Relief granules, pour out the entire packet onto your tongue and swallow without chewing.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

Mucus Relief can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Mucus Relief.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cough or cold medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it''s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Mucus Relief?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Mucus Relief will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Mucus Relief side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of Mucus Relief may include:

• nausea; or

• vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Mucus Relief ?

Avoid using Mucus Relief with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Popular FAQ

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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