Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 19, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Acetadote
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Acetaminophen Antidote
Chemical Class: Amino Acid
Uses for acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine injection is used to help prevent or lessen liver damage caused by an overdose of acetaminophen.
Acetylcysteine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using acetylcysteine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For acetylcysteine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to acetylcysteine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of acetylcysteine injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of acetylcysteine injection in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving acetylcysteine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusi...
