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Introduction About MUCINAC
MUCINAC contains Acetylcysteine, which belongs to the group of medicines called Mucolytics. It is used in adults to manage acute airway diseases such as bronchitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane in the airways), emphysema, mucoviscidosis (cystic fibrosis), and/or bronchiectasis (chronic widening of the airway passage).
MUCINAC is not recommended for use in patients allergic to Acetylcysteine. It is also not recommended for use in patients with bronchial asthma.
Before taking MUCINAC, inform your doctor if you have stomach ulcers, liver diseases (such as non-alcoholic fatty acid disease), or chronic kidney disease.
MUCINAC should be used with caution by pregnant and breastfeeding women only if it is clearly necessary. The medicine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years) and is advised to be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 60 years) after consulting your doctor.
The most common side effects of taking MUCINAC are nausea and vomiting. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsen.
Uses Of MUCINAC
- To manage acute airway diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, mucoviscidosis, and/or bronchiectasis in adults
How MUCINAC Works
MUCINAC works by enhancing airway secretions and mucociliary function (a defense mechanism of the lungs that promotes movement and removal of excess mucus), which causes the mucus (phlegm) to become less sticky, resulting in its easy removal through cough, thus managing airway diseases in affected individuals.
How to use MUCINAC
Take MUCINAC as advised by your physician. Dissolve the medicine in half a glass of water and drink the solution immediately. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of MUCINAC
Common
- nausea
- vomiting
Uncommon
- signs of a hypersensitivity reaction (immune response to an allergen or antigen) such as shortness of breath, tightness of chest, cough, itching, rashes, and pounding heartrate
- headache
- ringing in the ears
- inflamed and sore mouth
- diarrhoea
- fever
- low blood pressure
- abdominal pain
Rare
- signs of bronchospasm (tightening of airways in the lungs), such as shortening of breath or difficulty breathing
- impaired indigestion with symptoms of fullness in the upper abdomen, gastric pain, belching, nausea, and heartburn
Stop taking MUCINAC and contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of shock such as a severe drop in blood pressure, paleness, restlessness, weak pulse, clammy skin, and/or decreased consciousness
- signs of angioedema (sudden fluid accumulation in the skin and mucous membrane) such as swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, itching, and/or skin rash
How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Try to avoid taking any medicine on your own to manage diarrhea. Consult and inform your doctor if the symptom worsens.

Headache
If MUCINAC causes headaches, then take rest and drink plenty of fluids. Try to avoid drinking alcohol. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking MUCINAC. If it lasts more than a week or becomes severe, then consult and inform your doctor.

Nausea And Vomiting
Try to take MUCINAC with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating rich or spicy food. Avoid drinking coffee, alcohol, or smoking. Consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Monitoring requiredMUCINAC should be used with caution by pregnant women only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding
Monitoring requiredMUCINAC should be used with caution in breastfeeding women only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor about taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionMUCINAC is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use machines. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Kidney
Use with CautionMUCINAC should be used with caution in patients with chronic kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Liver
Use with CautionMUCINAC should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty acid disease. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Allergy
ContraindicatedMUCINAC is not recommended for use in patients allergic to acetylcysteine, or any other ingredients of this medicine. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Lungs
ContraindicatedMUCINAC is not recommended for use in patients with lung diseases such as bronchial asthma. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedMUCINAC is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years). Consult your doctor before administering the medicine to the child.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionMUCINAC should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 60 years). Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Others
Before taking MUCINAC, inform your doctor if you:
- have had ulcers in your stomach
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Before taking MUCINAC, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cough suppressants (medicines used to suppress cough reflex) Ex. benzonatate
- nitro-glycerine (a medicine used to manage angina pectoris)
- activated charcoal (a medicine used to manage poisoning)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of MUCINAC, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdosage are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Acetyl Cysteine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Mucolytics |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Acute airway diseases (such as bronchitis, emphysema mucoviscidosis, and/or bronchiectasis) |
Dosage Forms | : | Capsule, Tablet, Effervescent Tablet, Injection,Granules, Injection, Solution, Syrup |
More Information
- Keep MUCINAC out of reach of children
- Store MUCINAC below 25°C
FAQs About MUCINAC
Q: What MUCINAC is used for?
A: MUCINAC is used in adults as a mucolytic (phlegm loosening medicine) to manage airway diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, mucoviscidosis (cystic fibrosis), and bronchiectasis.
Q: What happens if you take more MUCINAC than your required dose?
A: If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of MUCINAC, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdosage are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Q: Is it safe to use MUCINAC on pregnant and breastfeeding women?
A: MUCINAC should be used with caution in pregnant women and breastfeeding women only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Q: How does MUCINAC work?
A: MUCINAC works by enhancing airway secretions and mucociliary function (a defense mechanism of the lungs that promotes movement and removal of excess mucus), which causes the mucus (phlegm) to become less sticky, resulting in its easy removal through cough, thus managing airway diseases in affected individuals.
Q: What precautions must be taken while using MUCINAC?
A: Before taking MUCINAC, inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or have had ulcers in your stomach.
References
1. Laurence Brunton. Pulmonary Pharmacology. Goodman and Gillman’s The Pharmacological Basics of Therapeutics. Twelfth Edition. 2011. Page – 1057.
2. Micaely Cristina dos Santos Tenório, Nayara Gomes Graciliano, Fabiana Andréa Moura, Alane Cabral Menezes de Oliveira, Marília Oliveira Fonseca Goulart. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on Human Health. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. June 2021. [Accessed on 14th February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8234027/
3. Manouchehr Khoshbaten, Akbar Aliasgarzadeh, Koorosh Masnadi, Mohammad K Tarzamani, Sara Farhang, Hosain Babaei, Javad Kiani, Maryam Zaare, Farzad Najafipoor. N-Acetylcysteine Improves Liver Function in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. March 2010. [Accessed on 14th February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270338/
4. Minyuan Ye, Weiyuan Lin,1 Jing Zheng, Shaopeng Lin. N-acetylcysteine for chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. April 2021. [Accessed on 14th February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8129408/
5. Mark F. McCarty and James J. DiNicolantonio. An increased need for dietary cysteine in support of glutathione synthesis may underlie the increased risk for mortality associated with low protein intake in the elderly. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. October 2015. [Accessed on 14th February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8129408/
6. Elara Pharmaceuticals Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2022] [Accessed on 14th February 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8576.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Lung Function Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)/ Hemogram
- Healthy Midlife Checkup
- Men Health Checkup - Advanced
- Complete Women Checkup
- Senior Citizen Checkup-Female
- Senior Citizen Checkup-Male
- Women Health Checkup-Essential
- Full Body Checkup-Gold
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