DBL Acetylcysteine (Acetylcysteine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is DBL Acetylcysteine Used For?
DBL Acetylcysteine is a life-saving medication used specifically to treat paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning. It must be administered in a hospital setting by trained medical professionals.
Primary Uses
DBL Acetylcysteine is used to treat paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning by preventing liver damage from toxic metabolites.
How It Works
It works by reacting with a toxic metabolite of paracetamol to prevent it from damaging the liver. This medicine is most effective when started within 8 hours of paracetamol exposure.
Good to know: This treatment is most effective when started within 8 hours of paracetamol exposure, but can still be beneficial even after this time period.
How DBL Acetylcysteine Is Given
DBL Acetylcysteine is given only in hospital settings as a slow intravenous infusion (drip) into a vein. Your doctor will determine the exact dose based on your condition and weight.
Administration Details
You will receive two separate infusions containing different doses as determined by your doctor. The overall treatment duration is approximately 20 hours. You may also receive treatment for nausea and possibly an antihistamine if you experience side effects.
Monitoring During Treatment
Your doctor may perform tests before and during treatment to ensure the medicine is working properly and to prevent unwanted side effects.
Important: This medication must only be given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting. It cannot be self-administered.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea or vomiting
- generally feeling unwell
- excessive shivering
- fever or sweating
- painful or swollen joints
- pain and inflammation at the injection site
- blurred vision or eye pain
- flushing or pain in your face
- anxiety
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of face, difficulty breathing)
- chest pain
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- dizziness or light-headedness
- headache
- seizure
- jaundice (yellowing of skin and/or eyes)
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- bluish color to the skin, lips, or nails
Important Warnings
Before receiving DBL Acetylcysteine, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare team about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Receive DBL Acetylcysteine
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to acetylcysteine or any of the other ingredients. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash and itching.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had: asthma or breathing difficulties, stomach ulcers, kidney problems, liver problems, or a history of chronic or long-term alcohol use.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Allergic Reactions: Immediately tell your doctor if you experience rash, itching, hives, swelling, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Complete medication list: Always provide a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking to your healthcare team.
- isoniazid and/or rifampicin (antibiotics for tuberculosis treatment)
- anticonvulsants including carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, primidone, sodium valproate
Alcohol & Driving
DBL Acetylcysteine may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery and can interact with alcohol consumption.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol for a few days after receiving this medicine, as it may cause dizziness or light-headedness. Tell your doctor if you have a history of long-term alcohol use.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Avoid driving or using machines or tools until you know how this medicine affects you. It may cause dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, or seizures. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before engaging in potentially dangerous activities.
Storage
DBL Acetylcysteine is stored and handled by healthcare professionals in hospital settings. As a patient, you do not need to store this medication.
Overdose Information
Since DBL Acetylcysteine is given under medical supervision in a hospital, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you think you have received too much or experience severe side effects, immediately tell your doctor or nurse. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience signs of allergic reaction such as rash, itching, hives, swelling, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The overall duration of treatment is approximately 20 hours, involving two separate infusions with different doses.
This medicine is most effective when started within 8 hours of paracetamol exposure, though it can still be beneficial even after this timeframe.
Yes, DBL Acetylcysteine must only be given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting as it requires careful monitoring and intravenous administration.
Tell your doctor about any allergies, medical conditions (especially asthma, stomach ulcers, kidney or liver problems), history of alcohol use, all medications you’re taking, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid driving or using machines until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may cause dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, or seizures.
For common side effects like nausea or pain at injection site, speak to your doctor or nurse if they worry you. For serious side effects like allergic reactions, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
Your doctor may perform tests before and during treatment to ensure the medicine is working properly and monitor for any unwanted side effects.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.