Description

Acetylcysteine 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).

The thiol group of Acetylcysteine can reduce the efficacy of certain antibiotics such as ampicillin, tetracycline, macrolides, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and amphotericin. Concomitant use of Acetylcysteine and amoxicillin will increase the level of the antibiotic in tissues. It is, therefore, advisable to use the two medicines 2 hours apart from each other. Acetylcysteine can increase the inhibitory effect of thrombocyte aggregation and vasodialation by nitroglycerine.

Like all medicines, Acetylcysteine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. In very rare cases, severe immune reactions may occur such as anaphylactic shock and severe skin reaction. In rare cases the oral administration can be followed by shortness of breath, upset stomach and bronchospasm. The most frequent side effects are headache, increased heart rate, stomatitis, pruritus, urticaria, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, decrease in the blood pressure, diarrhoea and noises in the ears.

In case of pregnancy & lactation the medicine should be taken consulting physician or pharmacist.

Patients suffering from bronchial asthma must be strictly controlled during the therapy; should bronchospasm occur, the treatment must immediately be suspended. Caution should be taken in patients suffering from or with a history of peptic ulcer. As Viscotin contains sodium (156.9mg per dose) this has to be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet. The possible presence of a sulphureous odor does not indicate an alteration of the product but is a characteristic of the active ingredient contained in this preparation. It is preferable not to mix other drugs with the Viscotin solution.

Overdose of Acetylcysteine may cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Antidote preparations, Cough expectorants & mucolytics

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.