Acetylcysteine (Intravenous)

Generic name: acetylcysteine
Drug class: Antidotes, Mucolytics

Brand names

Acetadote

Dosage Forms Available:

Solution

Acetylcysteine IV

Acetylcysteine IV is given injections to assist in reducing or preventing the damage to the liver caused by an excess dose of acetaminophen.¶

Acetylcysteine should be administered only under the supervision of your physician.

Before taking acetylcysteine IV

When deciding whether to take a medication, the potential risks of using the medication should be evaluated against the benefits it can bring. It is a choice you as well as your physician make. In the case of acetylcysteine: must be taken into consideration:

Allergies

Inform your doctor If you’ve ever experienced an unusual reaction or allergy to acetylcysteine or other medications. Inform your health care specialist if you suffer from any other kinds of allergies, like dyes, food preservatives, animal products, or other substances. For products without a prescription, review the label or the ingredients on the package carefully.

Pediatric

Studies that are appropriate have not been conducted to determine the connection between age and the effects of acetylcysteine in the infant population. The safety and effectiveness of the injection have not been confirmed.

Geriatric

There is no information available about the connection between age and any adverse consequences of acetylcysteine in patients with geriatric diseases.

Breastfeeding

There aren’t enough research studies of women that can determine the risk to infants when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Be sure to weigh the benefits of this medication against the risk of taking this medication when nursing.

Interactions between medicines

Certain medicines shouldn’t be taken together In other instances, two different medications can be combined even though there is a chance of interaction. In these situations, your doctor might want to alter the dosage or take other precautions that may be required.
If you’re taking acetylcysteine is crucial that your doctor be aware of if you’re currently taking one or more of the drugs mentioned below. These interactions have been chosen based on their potential impact and are not all-inclusive.
The use of acetylcysteine along together with the following drugs could cause an increased chance of developing certain adverse effects, however, having both medicines in combination could be the most beneficial option for you. If both medications are prescribed by your doctor, they might alter the dosage or frequency of use of either or both drugs.
- Carbamazepine
- Nitroglycerin

Interactions with alcohol, tobacco, or food

Certain medications are not recommended to be taken at or near the time of having food items or eating particular kinds of food as interactions could happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction together with certain medications can result in interactions. Discuss with your physician the interaction of your medication in conjunction with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical conditions

The presence of medical conditions can affect the usage of Acetylcysteine IV. It is important to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical issues particularly:
Asthma or
Bronchospasm and history of–Use with cautiousness. It could make the condition worse.

How to use Acetylcysteine

A nurse or another trained health professional will administer the drug acetylcysteine at a hospital. Acetylcysteine is administered via the needle that is placed into the vein inside yours.

Acetylcysteine is most effective when it is administered in the closest proximity to the time of an overdose of acetaminophen as is possible. The longer time passes through after an overdose more ineffective the drug is in protecting your liver.

Precaution when using acetylcysteine IV

A doctor is going to be able to check your progress regularly when you receive Acetylcysteine. This will enable your doctor to determine whether the medicine is functioning correctly and determine whether or not you should take it. It is possible to conduct blood tests to determine if there are any unwanted negative effects.

Acetylcysteine IV can trigger serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that must be attended to immediately. The most dangerous symptoms of this reaction are rapid and irregular breathing patterns, frequently gasping for air or difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, fainting, or dizziness.

Other indicators include feeling warmth or redness on the neck, face arms, or the upper chest area, very rapid but irregular heartbeats or pulses as well as hive-like swellings that appear on the skin, as well as swelling or puffiness of the eyelids and within the eyelids. If you experience any of these reactions you should seek medical attention immediately.

Dosage and administration

Assessment of Pre-Treatment Following An ingestion:

Take a serum or plasma sample to test for the acetaminophen level at least four hours after the ingestion.

If the exact time of acetaminophen’s ingestion is unclear
Give a dose of loading acetylcysteine immediately.
Get an acetaminophen test to determine the need for ongoing treatment.
If the acetaminophen content is not measurable (or is unobtainable or not understandable) during the 8 hour period after the acetaminophen intake or if there is clinical evidence of acetaminophen’s toxic effects:
Inject a loading dose of acetylcysteine immediately. Continue the treatment up to 3 doses over the course of 21 hours.
If the patient is present for more than 8 hours following consumption and the date of the acute acetaminophen ingest is determined:
Give a dose of loading acetylcysteine immediately
Determine the acetaminophen concentration in order to determine whether you require a treatment.
If the patient shows symptoms within 8 hours of consumption and the timing of the acute acetaminophen ingest are known, and the amount of acetaminophen in the blood is established:
Utilize the nomogram Rumack-Matthew to determine whether or not you should begin treatment with acetylcysteine injection.

Storage and preparation of dilute Solution prior to Administration:

Acetylcysteine is a hyperosmolar injection (2600 mOsmol/L) Therefore, acetylcysteine injection should be diluted in sterile water prior to injection, 0.45% sodium chloride injection and 5% dextrose the injection of water prior to administration via intravenous injection. Check out the Full Prescribing Information for an example of osmolarity, based on the type of solutions as well as the acetylcysteine concentration.

Recommended Dosage for Children and Adults:

Acetylcysteine IV is intended to be administered intravenously only
The total dose of acetylcysteine injection is 300 mg/kg and administered intravenously in 3 doses. The recommended time of infusion for three doses is 21 hours.
Check out the Full Prescribing Information for dosage based on weight and weight-based diluting.
Refer to the Full Prescribing Instructions to learn about the recommended frequency of treatment with acetylcysteine after 21 hours.

Consistent Supratherapeutic Acetaminophen Ingestion

Find the acetaminophen level as well as other tests in the laboratory to determine treatment. The Nominations of the Rumack-Matthew type are not required.

Acetylcysteine IV side effects

In addition to its beneficial effects, some medicines may produce unwanted side negative effects. Although not all negative side effects are likely to occur, if they occur, they might require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor or nurse right away when any of these adverse reactions occur:

More popular

Fast heartbeat
the feeling of warmth
The fever
Itching or hives or an appearance of a skin rash
hoarseness
The irritation
joint stiffness, pain, or swelling
facial redness the neck, face, and, occasionally, the upper chest.
The skin is red
inflammation of the eyelids or lips, face feet, or hands
chest pain
difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing

Less popular

Cough
quick, pounding, or irregular heartbeats
loud breathing

Rare

Confusion
dizziness
faintness, dizziness, or lightheadedness after rising quickly from a sitting or lying in a seated
sweating
unusual fatigue or weakness

Certain side effects can be experienced which usually don’t require medical treatment. These side effects can be eliminated when your body adjusts the medication. Additionally, your health professional could be able to inform you of ways to avoid or minimize certain adverse effects. Consult your doctor for any of these symptoms persist or become troubling or if there are any concerns about these: