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Acetylcysteine Coupon - Acetylcysteine 30ml of 20% nebulizer solution vial

acetylcysteine

Generic Mucomyst
Used for COPD, Upper Respiratory Infection, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Cystic Fibrosis, Acetaminophen Overdose
Used for COPD, Upper Respiratory Infection, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Cystic Fibrosis, Acetaminophen Overdose

Acetylcysteine is an inhalation solution that's breathed in through a nebulizer to help clear mucus from the lungs. It benefits people with certain lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis (CF) or emphysema. Acetylcysteine used to be sold under the brand name Mucomyst which is no longer available. Some side effects of acetylcysteine include sores in the mouth, nausea, runny nose, and drowsiness. The oral and injectable versions of this medication can be prescribed by providers as an antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose.

Last reviewed on April 19, 2023
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What is Acetylcysteine?

What is Acetylcysteine used for?

How Acetylcysteine works

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic. It makes the mucus in your lungs less sticky and thinner so that it's easier to cough it out.

Are you looking for information on acetylcysteine (Acetadote) for acetaminophen overdose instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMucomyst (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassMucolytic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$113.01(save 80.84%)
GoodRx discount
$21.65
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What are the side effects of Acetylcysteine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Irritation of the mouth or lips (stomatitis)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Drowsiness
  • Clamminess
  • Chest tightness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Tightening of the airways: trouble breathing, wheezing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Wheezing, tightness in chest, or difficulty in breathing (especially in asthma patients)

Rare

Skin rash or other irritation

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Clammy skin

fever

increase in amount of mucus in lungs

irritation or soreness of mouth, throat, or lungs

nausea or vomiting

runny nose

For patients using a face mask for inhalation of acetylcysteine: the mask may leave a stickiness on your face. This can be removed with water.

When you use acetylcysteine, you may notice that the medicine has an unpleasant odor at first. However, this smell will go away soon after you use the medicine.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Acetylcysteine

thumbs-up

Pros

Helps you cough up mucus that's stuck in your airway

Dose can be easily adjusted to your needs by your provider

Available as a lower-cost generic

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Cons

Might smell bad when you first start the nebulizing treatment

Can make your face sticky if you use a face mask, but you can easily wash it off with water

Usually need to use multiple times a day

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Acetylcysteine

pharmacist
  • If you're using the 10% version of acetylcysteine, you don't have to dilute it (mix it together with another liquid). If you are using the 20% version, your provider will ask you to dilute it using sterile saline or sterile water. Ask your provider or pharmacist about the right way to dilute this medication.

    • Unopened vials of acetylcysteine can be stored at room temperature. But once you've opened a vial, any medication still left in the vial must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 4 days. Acetylcysteine doesn't contain any preservatives, so there's a chance that microbes, like bacteria or mold, can start to grow in the solution after this time.

      • If you've prepared any diluted acetylcysteine, the diluted solutions must be used within an hour. Otherwise, you'll need to discard the solution.

        • The acetylcysteine solution in the vial might change colors to a light purple after you open the bottle. This is normal and shouldn't affect how well the medication works or its safety.

          • Some medications work less well if you mix them together with the acetylcysteine nebulizing solution. If you need to take other nebulized medications around the same time as acetylcysteine, check with your provider or pharmacist to see if it's safe to mix them together.

            • You might notice that your face mask becoming sticky after you use the nebulizer with acetylcysteine. If so, you can remove the stickiness by washing the mask with water.

              • Make sure to clean your nebulizing equipment after each dose of acetylcysteine to prevent blockage or corrosion of parts.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Acetylcysteine

                How do I use acetylcysteine in a nebulizer?
                There are different types of nebulizers. Your healthcare provider will show you how to use your nebulizer before you start acetylcysteine. Your provider might ask you to first mix acetylcysteine solution with sterile saline or sterile water. Once your dose is prepared and measured, you can add it to the medication cup that comes with your nebulizer. Attach the top piece and mouthpiece or mask, then connect the tubing between the medication cup and your nebulizer. Once your nebulizer is turned on, breathe as you normally would until the medication is gone. Ask your provider if you're not sure how to use your equipment.
                How long does each dose of acetylcysteine take in the nebulizer?
                It will depend on your dose and the nebulizer that you're using. In general, your treatment should take about 10-20 minutes per dose.
                Why does acetylcysteine smell bad?
                The acetylcysteine molecule has sulfur, which reminds many people of the smell of rotten eggs. This smell is normal and doesn't mean that your medication supply is bad.
                Is acetylcysteine over the counter?
                No. Acetylcysteine inhalation requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
                Is acetylcysteine a bronchodilator?
                No, acetylcysteine isn't a bronchodilator because it doesn't relax your airways. It only helps thin the mucus in your lungs, which might make it easier to breathe.
                Is acetylcysteine safe during pregnancy?
                There haven't been enough studies in pregnant females to know if acetylcysteine is safe to take during pregnancy. In animal studies, acetylcysteine hasn't caused harm to unborn babies. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your healthcare provider.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Acetylcysteine?

                Acetylcysteine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                More mucus in the lungs

                Acetylcysteine might make you have more liquid mucus in your airway, which can be hard to get rid of. If you have asthma, this might start an attack, so always have your rescue inhaler nearby when you take acetylcysteine.

                dosage

                Acetylcysteine dosage forms

                The average cost for 3 vials of 30ml of 20% nebulizer solution of Acetylcysteine is $36.46 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 67.74% off the average retail price of $113.01.
                vial
                Vial
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                4ml of 10% nebulizer solution25 vials$50.89$2.04
                10ml of 10% nebulizer solution3 vials$21.65$7.22
                30ml of 10% nebulizer solution12 vials$82.36$6.86
                4ml of 20% nebulizer solution25 vials$85.63$3.43
                10ml of 20% nebulizer solution3 vials$23.38$7.79
                30ml of 20% nebulizer solution3 vials$36.46$12.15

                Typical dosing for Acetylcysteine

                The typical dose is 3 mL to 5 mL of the 20% solution or 6 mL to 10 mL of the 10% solution inhaled via a nebulizer 3 to 4 times a day. Your provider will decide how much you need and how often you should take it based on your symptoms and response to the medication. Your dose might differ if you're receiving this medication in the hospital.

                interactions

                Interactions between Acetylcysteine and other drugs

                Acetylcysteine 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. 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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                How much does Acetylcysteine cost?

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                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Acetylcysteine?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Acetylcysteine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Acetylcysteine
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                $3871.84 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                References

                Best studies we found

                American Lung Association. (2023). How to use a nebulizer.  

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

                MedlinePlus. (2022). How to use a nebulizer.

                View All References (1)

                Tenório, M. C. D. S., et al. (2021). N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on human health. Antioxidants. 

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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