Fluimucil (N-acetylcysteine, NAC)

Fluimucil is the brand name of the generic drug N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

Uses

Uses of Fluimucil

Fluimucil is used for the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory tract infections with abundant mucus secretions due to acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and its exacerbations, pulmonary emphysema, mucoviscidosis, and bronchiectasis.

Additionally, N-acetylcysteine is an antidote for paracetamol overdose and toxicity.

How should I take Fluimucil?

Take this medication with food. Dissolve the effervescent tablet or granules in a glass of purified water. Drink directly from the glass and consume the entire volume of liquid.

How do I store Fluimucil?

This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. 

There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Fluimucil?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
• An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
• Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions, especially:

• Phenylketonuria
• Duodenal ulcers
• Asthma and status asthmaticus

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is likely safe to take. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.

This medication is pregnancy risk category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk
• B=No risk in some studies
• C=There may be some risk
• D=Positive evidence of risk
• X=Contraindicated
• N=Unknown

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Fluimucil?

Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:

• Anaphylactic shock
• Allergic reaction
• Angioedema
• Urticaria
• Bronchospasm
• Nausea
• Vomiting

For inhalational acetylcysteine:

• Rhinitis
• Stomatitis

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Fluimucil?

This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. 

To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. 

Drugs with known interactions:

• Antitussive (cough) medications can cause an accumulation of airway secretion (congestion)
• Nitroglycerin may cause a significant drop in blood pressure (hypotension)
• Carbamazepine effectiveness may be reduced
• Antibiotics may be inactivated or become less effective
• Activated charcoal reduces the effectiveness of acetylcysteine

If you experience an adverse drug interaction, stop taking this drug and continue taking your other medication. Inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.

Does food or alcohol interact with Fluimucil?

This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Fluimucil?

This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose of Fluimucil for an adult?

Effervescent tablet

Dissolve 600 mg in a glass of water and take once daily (preferably in the evening).

Granules for oral solution

Dissolve 200 mg sachet (or two 100 mg sachets) in a glass of water and drink it two or three times per day.

Duration of treatment: 5-10 days for acute conditions. May be continued for several months for chronic conditons.

Nebule for inhalation

One ampule once or twice a day for 5 to 10 days.

Solution for injection

IM: one ampule administered once or twice a day.

IV: one ampule twice a day, up to 2-3 ampules two or three times per day. It is recommended to dilute IV injection with 0.9% NaCl solution or a 5% glucose solution.

What is the dose for a child?

Granules for oral solution

Dissolve 100 mg sachet in a glass of water and drink it two to four times a day, according to age.

Duration of treatment: 5-10 days for acute conditions. May be continued for several months for chronic conditions.

Solution for inhalation

One ampule once or twice a day for 5 to 10 days.

Solution for injection

IM: administer half of the normal adult dose.

IV: 1-1½ ampule two to three times per day. It is recommended to dilute the IV solution with 0.9% NaCl solution or a 5% glucose solution.

How is Fluimucil available?

Fluimucil is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Effervescent tablet 600 mg
• Powder for oral solution 100 mg, 200 mg sachets
• Syrup 100 mg/5 mL (100 mL bottle)
• Solution for inhalation 100 mg/mL (3 mL ampule)
• Solution for injection 100 mg/mL (3 mL)

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.