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Acetadote

acetylcysteine
Used for Acetaminophen Overdose
Used for Acetaminophen Overdose

Acetylcysteine (Acetadote) is an antidote that's used during an acetaminophen overdose to prevent or lessen serious injury to the liver. It's given in a healthcare setting (e.g., urgent care, emergency room) by a healthcare provider. The medication is available as an intravenous (IV) infusion and a generic oral solution that can be given by mouth or through a feeding tube. The most common side effects of the injection version include redness and flushing of the skin, while nausea and vomiting are more common with the oral version.

Last reviewed on April 26, 2023
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What is Acetylcysteine (Acetadote)?

What is Acetylcysteine (Acetadote) used for?

  • Lessen liver injury from acetaminophen overdose

How Acetylcysteine (Acetadote) works

Are you looking for information on acetylcysteine nebulized solution for lung problems instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAcetadote
Drug ClassAntidote
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Acetylcysteine (Acetadote)

What is acetylcysteine (Acetadote)?
Acetylcysteine (Acetadote) is a medication used to lessen damage to the liver after ingesting a potentially dangerous amount of acetaminophen. It's given as an IV infusion through the vein or as an oral solution by a healthcare provider.
How does acetylcysteine (Acetadote) work to treat an acetaminophen overdose?
When you take too much acetaminophen, a toxic substance from the breakdown of acetaminophen builds up in your body. Usually, your body has an antioxidant called glutathione that helps remove the toxic substance. But when you take too much acetaminophen, there's too much toxin and not enough glutathione to remove it all. The exact way that acetylcysteine (Acetadote) works for acetaminophen overdose isn't completely understood, but it's thought to help restore levels of the antioxidant so that your body can better remove the the toxic substance from acetaminophen.
How do I know if I've taken too much acetaminophen, and when should I get help?
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Liver damage from an acetaminophen overdose can look like vomiting, stomach pain, lack of appetite, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. More severe cases of overdose can cause confusion, seizures, and even death. Call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or get emergency help right away if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms or if you think you've taken too much acetaminophen.
How many doses of acetylcysteine (Acetadote) will I receive?
Your provider will calculate the dose of acetylcysteine (Acetadote) based on your body weight. If you're receiving this medication through your veins (IV), you'll typically receive three separate infusions over the course of 21 hours. If you're receiving acetylcysteine (Acetadote) by mouth, your provider will mix your dose with a diet soft drink and you'll typically take a dose every 4 hours for a total of 17 doses.
What are the side effects of acetylcysteine (Acetadote)?
The most common side effects from the injection version of acetylcysteine (Acetadote) are infusion-related reactions, such as rash, hives, facial flushing, and itching. Redness and flushing of the skin can happen 30 to 60 minutes after an acetylcysteine (Acetadote) infusion is started. This usually goes away, but if you have other symptoms, it might be a sign of a more severe reaction. Acetylcysteine (Acetadote) might also cause nausea, vomiting, and other stomach side effects, but these are more common with the oral solution.
Does acetylcysteine (Acetadote) have any serious side effects?
A serious reaction to the IV infusion can happen in some people shortly after acetylcysteine (Acetadote) is started. The symptoms of this reaction can include rash, low blood pressure (e.g., lightheadedness, fainting), wheezing, and trouble breathing. Let your provider know if you have asthma, since they'll want to monitor you more closely for breathing problems. Usually, your provider will stop the acetylcysteine (Acetadote) infusion and treat the symptoms of your reaction if this occurs.
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interactions

Interactions between Acetylcysteine (Acetadote) and other drugs

Acetylcysteine (Acetadote) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Acetylcysteine (Acetadote). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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Acetylcysteine (Acetadote) images

Acetylcysteine Coupon - Acetylcysteine 30ml of 20% injection solution vial
vial (30ml) 20% injection solution of acetylcysteineAcetylcysteine Coupon - Acetylcysteine 30ml of 20% injection solution vial

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References

Best studies we found

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). Acetadote- acetylcysteine injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. (2022). Acetylcysteine solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

MedlinePlus. (2023). Acetaminophen overdose.

View All References (1)

National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Glutathione.

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