What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Usage
Use acetylcysteine only as directed . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
If you are using this medicine at home, make sure you understand exactly how to use it. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
After using acetylcysteine, try to cough up the loosened or thinned mucus. If this does not work, it may have to be suctioned out. This will prevent too much mucus from building up in the lungs. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Dosing
The dose of acetylcysteine will vary from patient to patient. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of acetylcysteine so if your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of solution that you use depends on the strength of the medicine and the method of inhalation used. Also, the number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using acetylcysteine.
For inhalation dosage form (solution):
To thin or dissolve mucus in lung diseases:
Adults and children
- 3 to 5 milliliters (mL) of a 20% solution or 6 to 10 mL of a 10% solution used in a nebulizer three or four times a day. The medicine is inhaled through a face mask, mouthpiece, or tracheostomy.
- The 10 or 20% solution may be used for inhalation as a heavy mist in a tent or croupette.
- Sometimes the 10 or 20% solution is placed directly into the trachea or through a catheter into the trachea for certain conditions.
For use in tests to diagnose lung problems:
Adults and children
- 1 to 2 mL of a 20% solution or 2 to 4 mL of a 10% solution used for inhalation or placed directly into the trachea two or three times before the test.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?