💉 N-Acetylcysteine Injection 200 mg/mL
🔹 Description:
- Form: Sterile injectable solution
- Concentration: 200 mg/mL
- Route: Intravenous (IV) infusion
- Color: Clear to pale yellow solution with a slight sulfur odor
🧾 Prescription / Indications:
| Primary Use | Details |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Overdose | Acts as an antidote to prevent liver damage by replenishing glutathione stores |
| Mucolytic Therapy (off-label IV use) | For patients unable to take oral NAC to break down thick mucus |
| Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (off-label) | As renal protection in some settings |
| ARDS / Liver support (investigational) | As antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support |
🔬 Nature / Composition:
- Active Ingredient: N-acetylcysteine 200 mg/mL
- Type: Antidote, mucolytic, antioxidant
- Mechanism: Increases glutathione synthesis → neutralizes toxic metabolites (NAPQI) in paracetamol overdose
✅ Advantages:
- Life-saving in overdose: Most effective within 8 hours of paracetamol ingestion
- Direct antioxidant support: Useful in critically ill patients
- IV route: Ideal for patients who cannot tolerate oral NAC (e.g., unconscious, vomiting)
- Rapid onset of action
- Also used in ICUs for oxidative stress support
⚠️ Precautions:
| Risk Factor | Notes |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Rash, bronchospasm, flushing, or anaphylactoid reaction may occur |
| Asthma patients | Increased risk of bronchospasm—monitor closely |
| Infusion-related effects | Hypotension, tachycardia—adjust infusion rate |
| Use with caution | In patients with history of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding |
💽 Storage:
| Condition | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Store below 25°C; protect from light |
| Shelf Life | Typically 24–36 months, check label |
| Once opened | Use immediately or store per guidelines |
📦 Common Packaging:
| Form | Size |
|---|---|
| Vial | 5 mL, 10 mL, 30 mL vials (200 mg/mL concentration) |
| Ampoule | 5 mL ampoules common in emergency kits |