Comprehensive medication guide to Acetylcysteine including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30/month
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$206/month
Medfinder Findability Score
82/100
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Acetylcysteine — also known as N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) — is a versatile medication used primarily as a life-saving antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose and as a mucolytic agent to break up thick mucus in respiratory conditions. It belongs to two drug classes: antidotes and mucolytics.
For acetaminophen poisoning, Acetylcysteine is considered the standard of care and can prevent severe liver damage when administered within 8–10 hours of ingestion. As a mucolytic, it is prescribed to help clear abnormal or viscid mucus secretions in conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and for tracheostomy care.
Beyond its FDA-approved uses, Acetylcysteine is also used off-label for acute liver failure from non-acetaminophen causes, prevention of contrast-induced kidney injury before imaging procedures, and as an antioxidant supplement for conditions ranging from COPD to certain psychiatric disorders.
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Inhalation solution 10% (100 mg/mL) — solution
10 mL and 30 mL vials
Inhalation solution 20% (200 mg/mL) — solution
4 mL, 10 mL, and 30 mL vials
Intravenous (IV) solution 20% (200 mg/mL) — solution
30 mL vials
Oral capsule — capsule
500 mg and 600 mg
Oral tablet — tablet
600 mg
Effervescent tablet — tablet
available outside the US (e.g., Fluimucil)
Serious side effects are rare but can include anaphylactoid reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling) — particularly with IV administration — and bronchospasm with the inhaled form, especially in patients with asthma. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe or ongoing vomiting, signs of an allergic reaction, or worsening breathing difficulty.
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Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
an over-the-counter expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus; less potent than Acetylcysteine but widely available without a prescription
Dornase Alfa (Pulmozyme)
a mucolytic specifically approved for cystic fibrosis patients; works by breaking down DNA in mucus
Hypertonic Saline (3% or 7%)
an inhaled mucolytic alternative used for cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis
Carbocisteine (Mucodyne)
a mucolytic with a similar mechanism to Acetylcysteine, available in some countries outside the US
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Nitroglycerin
moderateAcetylcysteine may enhance the blood vessel–widening effects of nitroglycerin, potentially causing significant drops in blood pressure and severe headaches
Activated Charcoal
moderatecan reduce absorption of oral Acetylcysteine if given at the same time; important consideration in overdose management
Carbamazepine
moderateNAC may affect serum levels of this seizure medication
ACE Inhibitors
moderatepotential for additive blood pressure–lowering effects when combined with IV Acetylcysteine
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