CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Natasha Mitchell,
Medication: Acetylcysteine
Medication: Acetylcysteine
Your cat has been prescribed acetylcysteine for the treatment of one of the following conditions: acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity, thick respiratory mucus or an eye condition.
Key points:
• Mucolytic and proteolytic agent (breaks down mucus and proteins).
• Used topically to treat certain eye conditions as part of a multi-agent treatment plan.
• Used via injection or via stomach tube to treat paracetamol toxicity.
• Nebulized to help to break down thick respiratory mucus.
• There are few licensed veterinary products containing acetylcysteine and so your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug containing acetylcysteine. Your veterinarian will explain off-license drug use to you.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Acetylcysteine (ah-set-tile-siss-teen).
Brand name
- Stromease 25mg/ml eye drops, solution for dogs and cats (UK).
- Ilube (UK) (Human preparation).
- Parvolex (UK) (Human preparation).
Class of medication
- Mucolytic and proteolytic agent.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed acetylcysteine?
Your veterinarian has prescribed acetylcysteine for treatment of one of the following conditions:
- Eye drops: for the supportive treatment of corneal ulcers and/or dry eye.
- Injection or stomach tube: treatment of acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity.
- Nebulization: treating thick respiratory mucus.
How is the medication given?
Acetylcysteine eye drops are applied to the eye three to four times daily to treat dry eye or corneal ulcers for a period of time. On-going use is not advised as it can disturb the stability of the tear film. It will be used in conjunction with topical antibiotics for corneal ulcers.
Acetylcysteine may be nebulized with saline over 30-60 minutes, to treat thick respiratory secretions.
Acetylcysteine may be administered by your veterinarian by intravenous infusion or via stomach tube to treat paracetamol toxicity.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
The safety of acetylcysteine in pregnant and lactating animals has not been established.
Possible side-effects to acetylcysteine eye drops include the skin around the eyes becoming sore +/- swollen, red and itchy eyes. Other potential side-effects include nausea and vomiting. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Acetylcysteine should not be used in animals that have previously had an allergic reaction to acetylcysteine.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Acetylcysteine should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused acetylcysteine safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save acetylcysteine for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Acetylcysteine should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on acetylcysteine?
Your veterinarian may need to regularly check your pet during treatment.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on acetylcysteine can be found on the package inserts or via the link listed below:
Europe & UK
- Domes Pharma Stromease 25mg/ml eye drops, solution for dogs and cats. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_2204834.PDF.
- There are no other licensed veterinary products available in the UK/Europe containing acetylcysteine. Your veterinary surgeon will explain off-license use of human medications containing acetylcysteine.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products available in the US containing acetylcysteine. Your veterinarian will explain off-license use of human medications containing acetylcysteine.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.
