DRUG STUDY

GENERIC NAME: Acetylcysteine

Brand name: Acetadote, Mucomyst
Drug Classification: Mucolytics

DOSAGE, ROUTE, SIDE EFFECTS and

FREQUENCY (prescribed and INDICATION
recommended)
Prescribed: Adjunctive therapy for
800 mg abnormal viscid or
thickened mucus
Available forms: secretions in patients
IV injection: 200mg/ml with pneumonia,
Solution: 10%, 20% bronchitis,
bronchiectasis,
complications of
thoracic surgery or CV
surgery
MECHANISM OF ADVERSE REACTIONS
ACTION (by system)
CNS: fever, drowsiness
CV: chest tightness,
tachycardia, edema,
flushing
EENT: rhinorrhea,
pharyngitis
Respiratory:
bronchospasm, cough,
dyspnea
Skin: clamminess,
diaphoresis, urticarial
Other: Anaphylactiod
reaction

CONTRAINDICATION/S
Contraindicated with patients
hypersensitive to drug
Use cautiously in elderly or debilitated determine risk of hepatotoxicity
patients with severe respiratory
insufficiency
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
(at least 10)
• Monitor cough type and frequency
• Ingestion of more than 150mg/kg of acetaminophen may cause
hepatotoxicity. Measure acetaminophen level 4hours after ingestion to
• Obtain baseline AST, ALT, bilirubin, PT, BUN, creatinine, glucose and
electrolyte levels
• Facial erythema may occur within 30 minutes to 60 minutes of start of
IV infusion and usually resolves without stopping infusion
• When acetaminophen level is below toxic level according to
nomogram, stop therapy
• The vial stopper does not contain natural rubber latex, dry natural
rubber or blends of natural rubber
• Warn patient that drug may have a foul taste or smell that may be
distressing
• For maximum effect, instruct patient to cough or clear his airway
before aerosol administration
• Don’t confuse acetylcysteine with acetylcholine

Patient’s Name / Room No.