n-Acetylcysteine (mucomyst, Acetadote) Flashcards
Class
Antidote, mucolytic
Mechanism of action
Primary and most effective treatment for acetaminophen overdose. Also administered as a mucolytic to patients with thick pulmonary secretions from a variety of lung conditions.
Onset and duration
Peak:
PO: 1-2 hours
Duration: 5.6 hour half life
Indications
Acetaminophen overdose
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, acute asthma
Adverse reactions
Nausea/ vomiting Edema Flushing Tachycardia Hypotension
Drug interactions
None
How supplied
10% and 20% oral solutions, 20% IV solution (30 ML)
Dosage and administration - adult and pediatric
Oral: 140 mg/kg loading dose, followed by 70 mg/kg q 4 hours for 17 additional doses
IV: 300 mg/kg in 3 doses over 21 hours: loading dose of 150 mg/ kg in 200 ml of 5% dextrose over 1 hour, second dose 50mg/kg in 500 ml over 4 hours, 3rd dose 100 mg/kg in 1000 ml over 16 hours
Contact poison control for dosing in pediatrics < 20kg
Special considerations
Pregnancy safety category B
Consult medical control prior to administration
Consider activated charcoal instead if within 1 hour of ingestion
Nausea and vomiting frequently occur with Oral administration, consider antiemetic