Acetylcysteine Health Dictionary

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  2. Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine: From 3 Different Sources

A drug used in the treatment of paracetamol overdose and as a mucolytic drug to loosen sputum.

When the drug is taken in large doses, vomiting or rash may occur as rare side effects.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Acetylcysteine is a MUCOLYTIC drug that is used in the treatment of CYSTIC FIBROSIS and PARACETAMOL POISONING.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. a drug administered to break down mucus filaments in the eyes in the treatment of dry eyes (for example, in *Sjögren’s syndrome). It is also given to prevent liver damage in paracetamol overdosage. Acetylcysteine has been shown to have efficacy in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but it is not licensed for this purpose.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Paracetamol Poisoning

Paracetamol is one of the safest drugs when taken in the correct dosage, but overdose may occur inadvertently or deliberately. Initially there may be no symptoms or there may be nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and pallor. Then, 16–24 hours after ingestion, liver damage becomes evident and by 72–120 hours the patient may have JAUNDICE, COAGULATION abnormalities, hepatic failure (see LIVER, DISEASES OF), renal failure (see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF), ENCEPHALOPATHY and COMA. Treatment involves the administration of antidotes such as METHIONINE (within 8 hours) orally or intravenous ACETYLCYSTEINE.

An overdose of paracetamol is a common choice of those attempting to commit suicide. Since the government restricted the number of paracetamol tablets an individual may purchase over the counter, the incidence of people taking the drug in overdose with the intention of taking their lives has fallen sharply.... paracetamol poisoning

Mucolytic Drugs

Drugs that make sputum (phlegm) less sticky and easier to cough up. An example is acetylcysteine.... mucolytic drugs

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