Acetin is a drug to relieve complaints of phlegmy cough in conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, or cystic fibrosis. In addition, Acetin can be used as an antidote to overcome paracetamol poisoning.
Acetin contains acetylcysteine as its active ingredient. In treating phlegmy coughs, acetylcysteine works to thin the thick and sticky mucus that accumulates in the respiratory tract. This method can facilitate the removal of phlegm through coughing.
In addition, acetylcysteine has antioxidant activity in the liver. This is due to its ability to restore glutathione lost due to paracetamol overdose. Glutathione will neutralize toxic substances formed in the liver when paracetamol poisoning occurs. This method can prevent cell damage that causes liver failure.
Acetin is also used for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide. The goal is to overcome side effects on the urinary tract, including cystitis. Antioxidants in acetylcysteine can prevent damage to urinary tract cells due to the use of cancer drugs.
Acetin Products
Acetin preparations consist of capsules and effervescent tablets. Here are the product details:
- Acetin 200 mg Capsules, which contain 200 mg of acetylcysteine per capsule.
- Acetin 600 mg Effervescent Tablets, containing 600 mg of acetylcysteine in each tablet
Acetin can be purchased with a prescription written on paper, or a digital prescription (e-prescription) obtained from an online consultation with a doctor.
What is Acetin
| Active ingredients | Acetylcysteine |
| Group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Mucolytic type of phlegm thinning drug |
| Benefit | Thinning thick phlegm due to respiratory tract diseases, such as bronchiectasis , bronchitis, cystic fibrosis , or emphysema.Treating paracetamol poisoningTreating urinary tract disorders due to chemotherapy side effects with cyclophosphamide |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Acetin for pregnant women | Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk from acetylcysteine to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.However, the use of this drug during pregnancy must still be under the direction of a doctor. |
| Acetin for breastfeeding mothers | Acetylcysteine drug products, such as Acetin, are safe for breastfeeding mothers as long as they are used according to a doctor’s instructions.Breastfeeding mothers are advised to pump breast milk and discard it within 30 hours after taking this medication. |
| Drug form | Effervescent capsules and tablets |
Warnings before Using Acetin
There are several things to consider before using Acetin for yourself or giving it to your child, namely:
- Inform your doctor about any history of allergies. Acetin should not be taken by people who are allergic to acetylcysteine.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease.
- Talk to your doctor first about using Acetin if you have a condition that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, such as stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis, or esophageal varices.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Acetin effervescent tablets are not recommended for people with diabetes unless their blood sugar levels are stable within normal limits.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- Discuss with your doctor about the use of Acetin if you are undergoing therapy with other drugs, including nitroglycerin, tetracycline, supplements, and herbal products. The goal is to prevent unwanted drug interactions.
- Do not give Acetin to children without a doctor’s approval.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug after taking Acetin.
Acetin Dosage and Usage Rules
The following are Acetin doses based on the condition being treated and the drug preparation:
Acetin capsule preparation
Condition: Cough with phlegm
- Adults and children aged >14 years: 1 capsule, 2–3 times daily.
- Children aged 6–14 years: 1 capsule, 2 times daily.
Condition: Cystic fibrosis
- Children aged ≥ 6 years: 1 capsule, 3 times a day.
Acetin effervescent tablet preparation
Condition: Cough with phlegm
- Adults: 1 effervescent tablet per day, taken at night.
Condition: Drug poisoning (overdose) paracetamol
- Adults and children: Initial dose 140 mg/kgBW, 10 hours later followed by 70 mg/kgBW, every 4 hours, for 1–3 days.
Condition: Urinary tract disorders due to chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide
- Adults: 1,000 mg, 4 times daily.
How to Use Acetin Correctly
Be sure to use Acetin according to your doctor’s instructions and the directions on the package. Do not increase or decrease the recommended dose without your doctor’s approval.
To get maximum treatment results, follow the correct way to use Acetin below:
- Take Acetin with or immediately after meals.
- Swallow Acetin capsules with water. Do not chew or open the capsules unless your doctor tells you to.
- If using Acetin as an effervescent tablet, dissolve 1 effervescent tablet in 200 ml (approximately ½ cup) of drinking water. Wait until it is completely dissolved, then drink the medicinal solution until it is finished.
- If you are taking other medications that contain tetracycline, take them at least 2 hours before or after taking Acetin.
- Take Acetin at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double your dose.
- Store Acetin in a cool place and away from heat and humidity. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Do not use Acetin that is past its expiration date.
Acetin Interactions with Other Drugs
Based on its content, the interaction effects that occur if Acetin is used with other drugs can include:
- Increased risk of phlegm buildup if used with antitussive cough medicines, such as dextromethorphan.
- Increased risk of bleeding and low blood pressure if used with nitroglycerin.
To be safe, talk to your doctor first if you are going to use Acetin with any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
Side Effects and Dangers of Acetin
Side effects that can arise from consuming Acetin are:
- Stomatitis (mouth ulcer)
- Dizzy
- A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Arthralgia
The use of drugs containing acetylcysteine can also cause side effects in the form of headaches or stomach aches.
Call your doctor if you have any drug allergies or disturbing side effects, including:
- Bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways, the symptoms of which include a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, including bloody stools, black stools, vomiting blood, or vomit that has a coffee-ground texture.
- Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
- Heart palpitations
- A peeling or blistering skin rash on the lips, mouth or eyes, accompanied by fever
- Impaired liver function, symptoms of which may include right upper abdominal pain, pale, putty-like stools, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Symptoms of angioedema, such as swelling under the skin, especially in the lips, eyelids, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness like I’m going to faint
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision
In order to get quick initial treatment, you can consult via Chat with a Doctor. Through chat, the doctor can provide treatment to overcome side effects. If medical help is needed immediately, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Reference
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Williams, E., et al. (2024). Massive acetaminophen ingestion managed successfully with N-acetylcysteine, fomepizole, and renal replacement therapy. Clin Nephrol Case Stud, 12, pp. 22–25.
Alizadeh, N., et al. (2023). Late N-acetylcysteine for successful recovery of acetaminophen-related acute liver failure: A case report. Clin Case Rep, 11(9), Article e7946. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.7946
Dobrek, L., et al. (2020). The Effect of Acetylcysteine on Renal Function in Experimental Models of Cyclophosphamide- and Ifosfamide-Induced Cystitis. Curr Urol, 14(3), pp. 150–162.
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