Question 1

What is Acetylcysteine used for?

Accepted Answer

Chest congestion, stubborn cough with thick mucus (catarrh), bronchitis, paracetamol (Panadol) overdose, chronic obstructive lung disease

Question 2

How do you take Acetylcysteine?

Accepted Answer

For mucus and catarrh: dissolve one Fluimucil 600 mg effervescent tablet in a half glass of water and drink it once daily. You can take it with or without food. Do not swallow the tablet whole — always dissolve it in water first. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help loosen the mucus.

Question 3

What are the side effects of Acetylcysteine?

Accepted Answer

Nausea or feeling like you want to vomit, stomach upset or diarrhoea, headache, mild skin rash, bad smell from the mouth (the medicine has a sulphur-like smell)

Question 4

Who should not take Acetylcysteine?

Accepted Answer

People who are allergic to acetylcysteine, people with active stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach, children under 2 years old without a doctor's prescription, and people with severe asthma (it may worsen wheezing in some cases).

Question 5

Is Acetylcysteine safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Consult your doctor before taking acetylcysteine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding — it should only be used if your doctor says the benefit is worth it.

Acetylcysteine

What is this drug?

What is it used for?

Quick Interaction Check