Proper Use of This Medicine

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 be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of acetylcysteine. 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.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. Then use any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced intervals.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Before the container is opened, store it away from heat and direct light.
• After the container is opened, store it in the refrigerator. However, keep the medicine from freezing. The opened container should be discarded after 4 days.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.