N-Acetylcysteine Tablets

N- Acetylcysteine Tablets belongs to a class of drugs called ‘mucolytic agents’ (cough/sputum thinner) primarily used to treat respiratory diseases associated with excessive mucus. Acute respiratory diseases are initially associated with dry, irritating cough, hoarseness in laryngitis (swelling of the voice box), or burning sensation in the chest due to bronchitis (swelling of the lining of bronchial tubes).

Then, wet mucus forms, and continuous coughing out of sputum occurs. In chronic respiratory diseases, both dry irritating cough and wet cough with mucus occur. N- Acetylcysteine contains ‘Acetylcysteine’ that works by thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in the lungs, windpipe, and nasal passage. Thereby, making it easier to cough out phlegm.

Medical Benefits

• N- Acetylcysteine Tablets are a mucolytic agent (sputum thinner) used to treat acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases associated with excess mucus.
• It works by thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in the lungs, windpipe, and nasal passage. Thereby, making it easier to cough out phlegm.
• It is used in the treatment of conditions such as emphysema (shortness of breath), bronchitis (inflammation of mucous membranes in the airways), bronchiectasis (chronic widening of airway passage), and mucoviscidosis/cystic fibrosis (thick mucous clogs different parts of the body).

Directions for Use

• Take it preferably with food to avoid stomach upset or as advised by the doctor.
• Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
• Do not crush, chew or break it.
• Check the label for directions before using N- Acetylcysteine Tablets and take it with or without food as advised by your doctor.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place.
• keep the tablet away from sunlight.

Precautions

• It is a Category B pregnancy drug. However, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding the use of N- Acetylcysteine in patients with liver/kidney problems.
• It may affect the test results of ketones in urine and salicylate (like aspirin) in the blood. Therefore, inform your doctor that you are taking this tablet before undergoing any laboratory tests.

Side Effects of N- Acetylcysteine Tablets

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Fever

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What foods are to be avoided while taking this medicine?

You are recommended to avoid histamine-rich foods such as tomatoes, wine and processed foods as they may cause histamine intolerance by affecting the way histamine is broken down in the body leading to symptoms such as flushing (redness of the skin), migraine headaches, skin rash, itching and rhinitis (runny and stuffy nose). Therefore, if you are allergic to histamine or cannot tolerate food and drinks rich in histamine, please inform your doctor before taking it.

Can I take this composition with antibiotics?

You are not recommended to take these tablets with antibiotics such as tetracycline, amoxicillin, amikacin and gentamicin at the same time as it may reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. However, if you are supposed to take these medicines together, maintain a time gap of a minimum of 2 hours between taking it and antibiotics. However, please consult a doctor before using it with antibiotics or any other medicines.

How long should I take this composition?

You are recommended to take it for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the symptoms worsen or persist after 1 week of using this medicine, please consult your doctor.

Can I stop taking it on my own?

You are not recommended to stop taking this tablet without consulting your doctor as it may worsen your cough or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take it for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking this composition, please consult your doctor.