Acetylcysteine

Aceten is indicated as an adjuvant treatment in certain clinical condition characterized by the presence of thick and viscous mucoid or mucopurulent secretions such as: Chronic bronchopulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema with bronchitis, chronic asthmatic bronchitis ... Read more Aceten is indicated as an adjuvant treatment in certain clinical condition characterized by the presence of thick and viscous mucoid or mucopurulent secretions such as: Chronic bronchopulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema with bronchitis, chronic asthmatic bronchitis, bronchiectasis); Acute bronchopulmonary diseases (asthma with bronchial mucus plugging, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis, pulmonary complications associated with surgery).

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent that reduces the viscosity of secretions probably by the splitting of disulphide bonds in mucoproteins. Moreover it gives antisecretory effect. These results in clearing of respiratory ducts and facilitate breathing. Acetylcysteine also has anti-oxidant properties by reacting with free radicals and also by serving as a precursor to glutathione, which is an important intra and extra-cellular antioxidant. By providing anti-oxidant action, it neutralizes exogenous and endogenous oxidants, which in fact act as pathogens in respiratory inflammations.

Effervescent tablet or Dispersible tablet : Adults and children above 6 years: One effervescent tablet of Acetylcysteine 600 mg a day (preferably in the evening). The duration of treatment should be 5 to 10 days in the acute treatment, whereas it may be continued in the chronic states for several months, according to the advice of the physician. Dissolve the tablets in a glass containing a small quantity of water, mixing it, if necessary, with a spoon. A palatable solution is thus obtained, which can be drunk directly from the glass. Effervescent Granules : Adults and children above 6 years: 1 sachet Acetylcysteine 200 mg or 2 sachets Acetylcysteine 100 mg, 2-3 times a day. Children (2-6 years of age): 1 sachet Acetylcysteine 100 mg from 2 to 4 times a day, according to the age. The duration of treatment should be 5 to 10 days in the acute treatment, whereas it may be continued in the chronic states for several months, according to the advice of the physician. Dissolve the contents of the sachets in a glass containing a small quantity of water; mixing it, if necessary, with a spoon. A palatable solution is thus obtained, which can be drunk directly from the glass. Nebuliser Solution : The 20% solution may be diluted to a lesser concentration with either Sodium Chloride for injection, Sodium Chloride for inhalation, sterile water for injection, or sterile water for inhalation. Adult: 5-10 ml of 10% or 20% solution by Nebuliser every 6-8 hr PRN. Children: 1-11 months: 1-2 ml of 20% or 2-4 ml of 10% solution by Nebuliser every 6-8 hr PRN. 12 months-11 years: 3-5 ml of 20% or 6-10 ml of 10% solution by Nebuliser every 6-8 hr PRN. Below 12 years: 5-10 ml of 10/20% solution by Nebuliser every 6-8 hr PRN. ** Diagnostic Bronchograms : 1-2 ml of 20% or 2-4 ml of 10% solution 2-3 times by Nebulisation or by instillation intratracheally prior to procedure. ** Nebulisation tent or croupette : This form of administration requires very large volumes of the solution, occasionally as much as 300 ml during a single treatment period. If a tent or croupette must be used, the recommended dose is the volume of acetylcysteine (using 20%) that will maintain a very heavy mist in the tent or croupette for the desired period. Administration for intermittent or continuous prolonged periods, including overnight, may be desirable. ** Direct Instillation : When used by direct instillation, 1-2 ml of a 20% solution may be given as often as every hour. When used for the routine nursing care of patients with tracheostomy, 1-2 ml of a 20% solution may be given every 1-4 hours by instillation into the tracheostomy.