Acetylcysteine

Question 1

Indications for Acetylcysteine

Answer 1

Acetaminophen antidote

Question 2

Adult dosing for Acetylcysteine

Answer 2

Acetaminophen toxicity: 150 mg/kg (maximum 15 g) IV over 60 minutes (mix in N/S); followed by
First maintenance dose: 50 mg/kg (maximum 5 g) IV over 4 hours; then
Second maintenance dose: 100mg/kg (maximum 10 g) over 16 hours

Question 3

Contraindications for Acetylcysteine

Answer 3

Hypersensitivity to the drug; administering the loading dose over 60 minutes may decrease the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions

Question 4

Pediatric dosing for Acetylcysteine

Answer 4

Pediatric: 50 mg/kg over 60 mins