What is Acetylcysteine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 6, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Acetylcysteine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • PremierPro Rx Acetylcysteine

Generic Names:

  • Acetylcysteine

Uses:

  • Thins or dissolves thick lung mucus caused by emphysema, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, or other lung problems.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Acetaminophen Antidote, Diagnostic Agent, Bronchial, Mucolytic

Forms:

  • Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By breathing

What is Acetylcysteine used for?

What form(s) does Acetylcysteine come in

  • Liquid

What are common Acetylcysteine doses?

  • Vial 4ML of 20%

  • Vial 10ML of 20%

  • Vial 30ML of 20%

  • Vial 30ML of 200MG/ML

  • Glass Cont 4ML of 10%

  • Glass Cont 10ML of 10%

  • Glass Cont 30ML of 10%

  • Bottle 1GM of

  • Bottle 25GM of

  • Bottle 100GM of

  • Bottle 500GM of

Common Acetylcysteine prescriptions

  • Acetylcysteine
    10ml of 10% glass cont

  • Acetylcysteine
    30ml of 10% glass cont

  • Acetylcysteine
    4ml of 10% glass cont

  • Acetylcysteine
    10ml of 20% vial

  • Acetylcysteine
    30ml of 20% vial

  • Acetylcysteine
    30ml of 200mg/ml vial

  • Acetylcysteine
    4ml of 20% vial

How to take Acetylcysteine

  • Inhalation routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Store unopened vials of this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. After opening, you may store the vial in the refrigerator for 4 days.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Inhalation routeYou will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer.

  • Inhalation routeThis medicine is sometimes given through a face mask. It also may be given inside a plastic tent that is placed around your head. The medicine is put into the air of the tent for breathing.

  • This medicine may have a bad smell at first. The odor should go away soon after you start your treatment.

  • The medicine in an opened vial might turn from clear to a light purple color. This is normal and does not change how the medicine works.

  • Clean the nebulizing equipment immediately after use.

  • This medicine may have a bad smell at first. The odor should go away soon after you start your treatment.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store unopened vials of this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. After opening, you may store the vial in the refrigerator for 4 days.

  • The medicine in an opened vial might turn from clear to a light purple color. This is normal and does not change how the medicine works.

  • Inhalation routeYou will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer.

  • Inhalation routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Inhalation routeThis medicine is sometimes given through a face mask. It also may be given inside a plastic tent that is placed around your head. The medicine is put into the air of the tent for breathing.

  • Clean the nebulizing equipment immediately after use.

What to do if you miss a dose of Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acetylcysteine.

Acetylcysteine warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have asthma, or it is hard for you to cough.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Acetylcysteine interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how acetylcysteine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking an antibiotic. Do not mix other medicines in the nebulizer with acetylcysteine, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Acetylcysteine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Sore mouth

  • Coughing up blood

  • Chest tightness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Sore mouth

  • Clammy skin

  • Drowsiness