ACETYLCYSTEINEProduct code SKU16154

Brand Name(s) : Ilube, Parvolex


ACETYLCYSTEINE USES

What is it used for?

Acetylcysteine is used as artificial tears for conditions called dry eye syndromes. It is also used for the treatment of an overdose of paracetamol.
It is a type of mucolytic agent and a derivative of an amino acid (L-cysteine).
It is used to moisten the eye. It breaks down a substance called mucus which is found in the eye. This allows tears to cover the surface of the eye more effectively. It also protects the liver from damage if used soon enough after an overdose of paracetamol.
In general this drug is used to relieve dry eye syndromes and for treating a paracetamol overdose.
Benefits of being on this drug can include:
Relieving the symptom of dry eyes (associated with various illnesses)
Reducing the severity of liver damage after a paracetamol overdose.
Listed below are the typical uses of acetylcysteine:

Relief of dry eye syndromes that are associated with a lack of tears or mucus or abnormal mucus production
Preventing liver damage after a paracetamol overdose.
On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list. Such conditions are listed below.

None known.

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

Use acetylcysteine eye drops exactly as your doctor has told you. A doctor or nurse will give you acetylcysteine solution by continuous injection if needed to treat an overdose of paracetamol.
Use this medication for the duration of the prescription in order to get the most benefit from it.
Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told otherwise by your doctor.
Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.
What dose?

Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.
Do I need to avoid anything?

Acetylcysteine does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Do not wear contact lenses while using the eye drops. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
When can I stop?

Always complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor.

Details

ACETYLCYSTEINE INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur:

None known.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

Drugs for fits or convulsions (epilepsy), such as phenytoin, phenobarbitone, primidone and carbamazepine
A drug called rifampicin that is used to treat bacterial infections.
This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using acetylcysteine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.


ACETYLCYSTEINE SIDE EFFECTS

Acetylcysteine eye drops:

None known
Acetylcysteine solution:

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, such as feeling or being sick, skin irritation at the injection site, flushing, itching, rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness and rapid heart beat
Coughing is rare
Chest tightness or pain is rare
Puffy eyes are rare
Sweating is rare
Feeling unwell is rare
A raised temperature is rare
Blurred vision is rare
Facial or eye pain is rare
A slow heart beat (bradycardia) is rare
Problems with blood clotting are rare
Fainting is rare
Stopping breathing or a heart attack are rare
Feeling anxious is rare
Joint pain is rare
Turning blue from too little oxygen is rare
Death is rare
Seizures are rare.
If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform doctor.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

The doctor or nurse will monitor your side effects while you are receiving acetylcysteine solution.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the UK you may report side-effects to the MHRA


ACETYLCYSTEINE OVERDOSE

There is no known risk of an overdose with acetylcysteine eye drops.

If you are given too much acetylcysteine solution, you may develop allergic (hypersensitive) side effects, such as feeling or being sick, skin irritation at the injection site, flushing, itching, rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness and a rapid heart beat. These effects usually occur between 15 and 60 minutes after the start of treatment and are usually relieved by the stopping the medication. In some cases, treatment with other drugs, such as antihistamines, may be necessary. Once the allergic reaction is under control, acetylcysteine solution can be given again.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of acetylcysteine or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose of acetylcysteine eye drops, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.


ACETYLCYSTEINE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking acetylcysteine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other mucolytic agents; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

An allergy (hypersensitivity) to acetylcysteine or to any of the other ingredients.
Before using acetylcysteine eye drops, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following:

None known.
Before using acetylcysteine solution, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following:

Asthma or breathing problems
If you drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol
If you are malnourished (underfed), particularly if you have an eating disorder such as anorexia, or if you have AIDS.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

Alcohol does not affect acetylcysteine eye drops.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

The safety of acetylcysteine has not been established during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

It is not known whether acetylcysteine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACETYLCYSTEINE WARNINGS

Acetylcysteine eye drops should be used with caution in:

None known.
Acetylcysteine solution should be used with caution in:

Patients with asthma or breathing problems
People who drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol
People who are malnourished (underfed), such as those with the eating disorder anorexia or AIDS.
It should not be used in:

Patients with an allergy (hypersensitivity) to acetylcysteine or any of the other ingredients.
Also see list of precautions and interactions.

STORAGE

Store below 25°C.