DRUG ORDER

TRADE/ BRAND NAME

Flumucil

PHARMACOLOG IC ACTION OF DRUG Acetylcysteine is a derivative of cysteine; an acetyl group is attached to the nitrogen atom. This compound is sold as a dietary supplement commonly claiming antioxidant and liver protecting effects. It is used as a cough medicine because it breaks disulfide bonds in mucus and liquefies it, making it easier to cough up. It is also this action of breaking disulfide bonds that makes it useful in thinning the abnormally thick mucus in Cystic Fibrosis patients.

INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIO NS Indications: Treatment of respiratory affections characterized by thick and viscous hypersecretions: acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and its exacerbations; pulmonary emphysema, mucoviscidosis and bronchieactasis. Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to acetylcesteine. As Acetylcysteine (Fluimucil) granules and tablets contain aspartame, it is contraindicated in patients suffering from phenylketonuria.

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE DRUG Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients receiving acetylcysteine, including bronchospasm, angioedema, rashes and pruritus. Other adverse effects reported with acetylcysteine include nausea and vomiting, fever, syncope, sweating, arthralgia, blurred vision, disturbances of liver function.

Acetylcysteine

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES/ PRECAUTIONS Patients suffering from bronchial asthma must be strictly monitored during the therapy. Should bronchospasm occur, the treatment must be suspended immediately. It should be used with caution in asthmatic patients and patients with a history of peptic ulceration. The possible presence of a sulfur-like odor does not indicate an alteration of the product but is a characteristic of the active ingredient contained in the preparation. It is prefered not to mix other drugs with the Acetylcysteine (Fluimucil) solution.