Acetylcysteine
Brand and Other Names:
ACETYLCYSTEINE
Mechanism of Action:
Replenishes glutathione, detoxifies acetaminophen metabolites.
Indications:
Acetylcysteine injection is indicated as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose, both for:
- Acute single ingestion
- Repeated supratherapeutic ingestion (RSI)
Its primary function is to prevent or reduce hepatic injury from potentially hepatotoxic levels of acetaminophen.
Route:
intravenous
Dose:
Administered as 3 intravenous infusions:
Loading dose: 150 mg/kg
Second dose: 50 mg/kg
Third dose: 100 mg/kg
Adverse Reactions:
Rash
Pruritus
Facial flushing
Urticaria
Contraindication:
Prior hypersensitivity to acetylcysteine.
Warnings and Precautions:
Hypersensitivity Reactions
-
Include rash, wheezing, hypotension, bronchospasm.
-
Use caution in asthmatic patients.
-
May resume infusion if mild, after treatment with antihistamines.
Fluid Overload
-
Adjust volume for:
-
Patients <40 kg
-
Those requiring fluid restriction
-
-
Risk of hyponatremia, seizure, and death if unadjusted.
See package insert for full prescribing information.