What is it used for?
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic medicine used to loosen thick, sticky mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. It may be used in conditions with excess mucus, such as some chest and respiratory illnesses.
How does it work?
It breaks down the structure of thick mucus, making it thinner and easier to clear from the lungs.
How to take/use it
Use exactly as directed by the doctor or medicine label. Do not exceed the recommended amount. If it is an effervescent tablet, dissolve it in water as instructed and drink it after it has dissolved; do not swallow it whole.
Common side effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, headache, skin rash and unpleasant taste or smell. Rarely, it may cause wheezing or breathing difficulty.
Precautions
Tell the doctor if there is asthma, a history of stomach ulcers, or an allergy to acetylcysteine. Stop use and seek medical help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling or a severe rash. Seek medical advice if mucus or breathing symptoms worsen or do not improve.
