Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent and an antidote to acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity. It works by breaking down mucus in the lungs and replenishing intracellular glutathione, a crucial antioxidant. It is commonly used for a variety of therapeutic purposes related to respiratory conditions and liver protection.

✅ Approved & Common Indications:

🌿 Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Overdose

• Acute Liver Injury Due to Acetaminophen Toxicity
  Acetylcysteine is the standard antidote for the prevention and treatment of acute liver failure caused by overdose of acetaminophen, helping to restore depleted hepatic glutathione stores and prevent hepatotoxicity.

🌿 Respiratory Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  Used as an adjunct in the treatment of COPD to help thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways.
• Cystic Fibrosis
  To reduce the viscosity of mucus in the lungs, facilitating better airway clearance in patients with cystic fibrosis.
• Acute Bronchitis and Other Respiratory Conditions
  Helps in managing excessive mucus production in conditions like acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

🌿 Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy

• Renal Protection in High-Risk Patients
  Acetylcysteine is used off-label for preventing contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with renal impairment undergoing contrast imaging procedures.

🌿 Kidney Protection in Patients on Dialysis

• As part of adjunctive therapy to protect kidney function in certain at-risk patients, particularly in those undergoing dialysis or those with chronic kidney disease.

🌿 General Mucolytic Therapy

• Mucolytic in Respiratory Disorders
  As a mucolytic agent, Acetylcysteine is used to break down the mucus in the lungs, improving symptoms in patients with diseases like chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory conditions that involve thick mucus production.