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Pronunciation |
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(a
se teel SIS
teen) |
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Brand Names |
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Mucomyst®;
Mucosil™ |
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Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antidote; Mucolytic Agent |
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Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to acetylcysteine or any other part of the
medicine.
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What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used to thin fluid from the
lungs.
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How does it work? |
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- Acetylcysteine works by breaking down the fluid into a thinner
one.
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How is it best taken? |
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- For inhaling only. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Liquid (solution) must be mixed first. Talk with healthcare provider
for more information.
- Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by
healthcare provider. Avoid products with
caffeine.
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What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
- This medicine may also be used on an as needed basis to loosen fluid
in the lungs.
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What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
- Increased lung fluids may occur after use. Be prepared to get rid of
them by coughing or suctioning them up.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Coughing.
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What should I monitor? |
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- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing occurs after use.
- Any rash.
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How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store opened vials in a refrigerator. Throw away after 4
days.
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General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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