What is ACC 200?
ACC 200 is a South African mucolytic medication containing N-acetylcysteine (NAC). ACC 200 is used to break down or disrupt mucus. Mucolytics are drugs used to manage mucus hypersecretion and its sequelae like recurrent infections in patients of COPD, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis. They belong to a group of agents called mucoactive agents.
ACC 200 is manufactured by Sandoz (a division of Novartis). ACC 200 has been available in the South African market for over 20 years.
How does ACC 200 work?
ACC 200 acts directly on thick and sticky mucus in the respiratory airways, breaking down the bonds that hold the mucus together. It does this without significantly increasing the quantity of mucus or fluid in the airways.
NAC’s action thins thick mucus quickly, and makes it less sticky, so that the runnier, more liquid mucus is easier to blow, sneeze or cough out of the airways. ACC 200 has been shown to improve the rate at which mucus clears from the airways by 35%.
How does ACC 200 treat a cough?
NAC in ACC 200 thins thick, sticky phlegm (a form of mucus produced by the lower airways) quickly and makes it more liquid so that it is easier to clear from the lungs.
NAC has been shown to reduce coughing within 4 – 5 days of starting treatment. Clearing the thick, sticky mucus stuck in your airways may also help to prevent a new or different infection developing there.
How does ACC 200 treat sinus congestion?
Because ACC 200 thins thick, sticky mucus quickly and makes it more liquid, it becomes easier to clear the mucus from the nasal passages and sinuses. Clearing mucus from the sinuses improves the oxygenation and airflow in this area, which reduces sinus congestion and decreases its associated pain and pressure.
Most patients report a decrease in sinus discomfort and ‘heaviness’ in the first days after starting treatment with NAC. Clearing the thick, sticky mucus stuck in your sinuses may also help to prevent a new or different infection developing there. When combined with antibiotics, studies show that it can be helpful for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.
Where can I buy ACC 200?
ACC 200 is a registered medication by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in South Africa. It is a Schedule 1 medication, which means you can buy it from any pharmacy which stocks OTC medications. Your doctor may also prescribe it for you.
How long can I use ACC 200 for?
You can use it for up to 14 days. If you would like to use it for longer than 14 days, please consult your doctor.
Can I give ACC 200 to my children?
In South Africa, ACC 200 is approved for use in children from the age of two years.
How should I take ACC 200?
The effervescent tablet should be dissolved in a glass of water before use.
| AGE | DOSAGE |
| Children 2 – 5 years of age | Half an effervescent tablet 2 – 3 times daily (equivalent to 200 to 300 mg NAC/day) |
| Children 6 – 14 years of age | 1 effervescent tablet twice daily (equivalent to 400 mg NAC/day) |
| Adolescents from 14 years of age, and adults | 1 effervescent tablet 2 – 3 times daily (equivalent to 400 to 600 mg NAC/day) |
Can anyone take ACC 200?
If you suffer from any of the following, please consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking ACC 200:
• asthma
• peptic ulcer
• lactose intolerance
• diabetes.
Can I use ACC 200 for COVID-19?
Studies have shown that NAC the active ingredient in ACC 200 has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating characteristics that may prove beneficial in the treatment and prevention of SARS-Cov-2 the causative agent of COVID-19 infection. Discuss with your doctor before using ACC 200 for COVID.
What are the side effects of ACC 200?
Common side effects of ACC 200 include:
• Bronchospasm
• Disagreeable odor
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Coughing up blood
• Increased volume of bronchial secretions
• Irritation of tracheal or bronchial tract
• Nausea
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Swelling and sores inside the mouth
• Vomiting
• Clamminess
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
Serious side effects of acetylcysteine include:
• Chest tightness
• Bronchoconstriction
• Bleeding.
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
Can I use ACC 200 with other medications?
ACC 200 has no known harmful interactions with other medications, but please do check with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it may interact with medications you are taking.
When taking an antibiotic, you should allow at least a two-hour interval between taking the antibiotic and taking ACC 200, so that both medications can work well.
Remember that most acute coughs and sinusitis are caused by a virus, and that antibiotics do not help to treat viruses.
ACC 200 Price
ACC 200mg tab by 40’s cost R 154.95 at Dischem while effervescent tablets by 25 cost R 96.99 at Clicks.
