Inflammatory pathologies can be triggered by any factor if the human immunity is weakened. Naturally, they must be treated. N-Acetylcysteine is an anti-inflammatory, expectorant and potent detoxifying agent.
Composition and release forms
The medicine presented is imported, as it is produced in the USA. It is produced in the form of cellulose capsules, of which there are 100 pieces in a package. In the form of a powder, you can not buy such a drug everywhere.
"N-Acetylcysteine" in its composition contains the main active substance acetylcysteine in an amount of from 100 to 600 mg. There are also additional elements: selenium, molybdenum. The presented tool is very soluble in water, so its bioavailability is much higher than that of other drugs, and is 90%.
Features of the drug
The tool has a good mucolytic effect, as it effectively dilutes sputum and facilitates its removal from the respiratory system. Expectoration is faster and better, and the viscosity of the mucus decreases. An effective drug is even in the presence of purulent sputum.
The active substance of the drug takes part in the production of glutathione, which is the most powerful antioxidant and helps to destroy many toxins in the body. This effect is also exerted by the drug itself, since there is an SK-group in its composition. The product prevents the formation of malignant cells, therefore it is used for prevention.
"N-Acetylcysteine" well neutralizes the effects of heavy metals. It effectively protects a person from the negative effects of exhaust gases, fumes of mercury, tobacco smoke, as well as other external factors. With various types of poisoning, it can be used as an antidote.
Due to the suppression of the synthesis of enzymes that support inflammation, the drug is able to eliminate and even prevent this process. The medicine can be used to prevent the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, the product has a protective effect on the liver and the lining of the brain.
A drug like N-Acetylcysteine has a simple mechanism of action: its components can break down the bonds of acid mucopolysaccharides of sputum, which makes it less viscous.
Indications for use
"N-Acetylcysteine" is prescribed for the treatment of:
- Pathologies of the respiratory organs, which are accompanied by the production of difficult to remove, viscous mucus: pneumonia, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung abscess, emphysema, rhinitis, sinusitis, purulent otitis media.
- Glutathione deficiency in the liver.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Intoxication of the body due to excessive consumption of alcohol, medications.
- Pathologies of the cardiovascular system: hypertension, atherosclerosis, as well as their prevention.
- Encephalopathy
- Sulfur deficiency, provoking hair loss, brittle nails.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
And the drug is also used to prevent diseases caused by exposure to x-rays (among employees of nuclear plants). The substance is recommended for use by those patients who do not consume a sufficient amount of protein.
A drug is used to prevent an infectious process after an operation on the respiratory system.
What contraindications for use exist?
If Acetylcysteine N (Acetyl L Cysteine NAC) is prescribed to the patient, he should be aware that the drug may not always be used. There are such contraindications to its use:
- Individual intolerance to the main substance or its other components.
- Hemoptysis or internal bleeding.
- Gastric ulcer or damage to the duodenum during exacerbation.
- Pregnancy.
- The period of breastfeeding.
- Varicose veins in the esophagus.
- Fructose intolerance (it is part of the drug).
Before taking the drug, a doctor’s consultation is mandatory.
Mode of application
If the patient needs to take "N-Acetylcysteine", the instruction provides such methods of use:
- Children up to 2 years: 100 mg 2 times a day, from 2 to 6 years - 100 mg three times a day.
- Children from 6 years old, as well as adults: 200 mg 2-3 times a day.
With intramuscular administration, the one-time norm for an adult patient is 300 mg, for a child - 150 mg. Injection is done once a day. In diseases of the respiratory tract, which are characterized by a short period of the course, it is enough to undergo a 5-day course of treatment.
What adverse reactions does the drug cause?
Before using the NAC "N-Acetylcysteine" medication, it is necessary to consider what undesirable consequences it can cause. So, the drug can provoke the development of such side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, feeling as if the stomach is full.
- Light burning with shallow administration of the drug into the muscle. An unpleasant sensation quickly passes.
- Allergic skin rashes: itching, hives, as well as bronchospasm.
- Irritation of the respiratory tract, stomatitis or rhinitis when using the drug in the form of inhalation.
- Nose bleed.
- Noise in ears.
- Change in laboratory blood counts.
- Headache.
- Tachycardia.
- Lowering blood pressure.
The occurrence of side effects is unlikely if the medicine is used in accordance with the instructions. If unpleasant phenomena are felt, then you must immediately stop taking the drug and consult a doctor to correct treatment.
special instructions
If the patient needs to use "N-Acetylcysteine", the instructions for use indicate the following drug features:
- Particularly cautious in the use of this tool should be those people who are diagnosed with severe impairment of the liver and kidneys.
- Increased attention should be paid to patients with asthma, as well as adrenal gland pathologies. When prescribing a medication, asthmatics need to provide sputum drainage.
- The use of the drug for the treatment of newborns is possible only for health reasons. In this case, the dose should not exceed 10 mg / kg, and treatment is carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.
- Between the last and next dose of the drug, you must observe a time interval of 1-2 hours.
- If the patient will drink a large amount of liquid, this will enhance the mucolytic effect of the drug.
- With obstructive bronchitis, you must also be careful, as bronchial patency should be constantly monitored.
- When using the drug, glassware is necessary. Contact with metals, rubber, oxygen, as well as substances that can oxidize quickly, should not be.
- "N-Acetylcysteine", reviews of which are mostly positive, does not negatively affect the nervous system (speed of psychomotor reactions and ability to drive a vehicle).
With proper use of the drug, it will not cause adverse reactions. In case of an overdose of the drug, it is necessary to rinse the stomach immediately.
Interaction with other drugs
It is not necessary to use the drug presented together with antitussive drugs. This will provoke sputum congestion due to suppression of the cough reflex.
When combining the drug with tetracycline and penicillin antibiotics, interaction with the thiol group of acetylcysteine is possible. That is, there is incompatibility. The presented drug can be used in conjunction with paracetamol, while the toxic effect on the liver of the latter is reduced. The combined use of the product with Nitroglycerin promotes marked vasodilation.
Features of storage and cost of the drug
So, the medicine presented can be stored for 36 months. Moreover, the temperature at which the drug does not lose its properties should not exceed 25 degrees. Naturally, the storage location should not be accessible to children.
As for the cost, then for 10 sachets for the preparation of a medicinal solution you need to pay about 50 rubles. Despite the fact that the price of the product is small, it is considered quite effective. You can buy medicine at any pharmacy, and this does not require a prescription.
Reviews and analogues
Reviews about the drug are mostly positive. For example, many note that it relieves pain in muscles well, is indispensable for poisoning, has a good effect on the kidneys with insufficient functionality. However, not everyone can take it. Care should be taken in the treatment of certain mental disorders.
As for analogues, the following drugs can be found in pharmacies: Fluimucil, Espa NAC, Mukobene. Before use, be sure to consult a doctor. Be healthy!