Questions and Answers
What is the trade name for acetylcysteine?
What class of medication is acetylcysteine?
Antidote for acetaminophen overdose; mucolytic
What forms is acetylcysteine supplied in?
10%, 20% solutions or 200 mg/ml for injection
What is the action of acetylcysteine as an antidote?
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What are the indications for using acetylcysteine?
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What is the dosage for intravenous acetaminophen toxicity?
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What is the mucolytic dosage for acetylcysteine?
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Status asthmaticus is a contraindication for using acetylcysteine.
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What precautions should be taken when administering acetylcysteine?
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Acetylcysteine must be ______.
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Study Notes
Acetylcysteine Overview
- Trade names include Mucomyst and Pravolex.
- Functions both as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose and as a mucolytic agent.
Class and Supply Information
- Classified as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity and a mucolytic.
- Available in 10% and 20% solutions or as an injectable form at 200 mg/ml.
Mechanism of Action
- As an acetaminophen antidote, the precise mechanism is unknown; believed to restore hepatic glutathione and neutralize toxic acetaminophen metabolites.
- Acts as a mucolytic by breaking disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, reducing the viscosity of mucus in respiratory conditions.
Indications for Use
- Primarily indicated for acetaminophen toxicity.
- Mucolytic action beneficial in acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases, tracheostomy care, and post-surgical pulmonary complications.
Dosage for Acetaminophen Toxicity
- Initial IV dose of 150 mg/kg over 15 minutes mixed in 200 ml of normal saline (N/S) or D5W.
- Follow-up with 50 mg/kg over four hours, mixed in 500 ml of N/S or D5W.
- Oral form is also available for hospital use.
Dosage for Mucolytic Action
- Direct instillation: 1-2 ml of 10% solution into the trachea every hour.
- Nebulized doses:
- 3-5 ml of 20% solution every 2-3 hours (notable unpleasant odor).
- 6-10 ml of 10% solution every 2-3 hours (also has a rotten egg smell).
Contraindications
- Not recommended for patients in status asthmaticus due to potential bronchospasm.
- Avoid in patients with hypersensitivity to acetylcysteine.
Precautions
- Use caution in elderly or debilitated patients with severe respiratory insufficiency.
Additional Notes
- Product must be refrigerated to maintain efficacy.
- Unpleasant odor and discoloration after opening do not affect its effectiveness.
- Oral dosages may be absorbed even if activated charcoal has been administered.
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Description
Test your knowledge of acetylcysteine, its trade names, classifications, supplied forms, and actions. This quiz includes key information about this important antidote and mucolytic agent used in medical settings. Explore the essentials of acetylcysteine in a flashcard format.
