acetylcysteine

Initially patented in 1960, Acetylcysteine is a medication that is used to treat paracetamol overdose, and to loosen thick mucus in individuals with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Before using this medication you need to prepare yourself for the following side effects, which include nausea and vomiting, both of which may occur as a result of taking Acetylcysteine by mouth. In addition, your skin may occasionally become red and itchy, which is yet another side effect that needs to be taken into consideration. This medication, however, appears to be safe during pregnancy. As far as loosening thick mucus is concerned, Acetylcysteine, when inhaled, acts as a mucolytic by decreasing the thickness of mucus. In addition it treats paracetamol overdose by increasing the level of glutathione, an antioxidant that can neutralize the toxic breakdown products of paracetamol. In fact, Acetylcysteine happens to be one of the few antioxidants that have yielded promising results when it comes to treating paracetamol overdose.