Fluimucil: Uses, Mechanism of Action, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions
What is Fluimucil?
Fluimucil is a brand of N-Acetylcysteine. It is a mucolytic medication used in combination with other treatments to relieve chest congestion due to thick or abnormal mucous secretions in people with lung conditions including asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction).
This effect helps you to clear the mucus from your lungs so that you can breathe easier. It can also be used to prevent liver damage from paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose.
Each Fluimucil effervescent tablet contains N-acetylcysteine, 600 mg as an active ingredient while each sachet of Fluimucil contains N-acetylcysteine, 100 mg or 200mg as the active ingredient. Each 5ml of Fluimucil oral solution contains 100mg of N-acetylcysteine.
How it works
Fluimucil is in a class of medications called mucolytic agents. It works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.
Who should not use Fluimucil?
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Fluimucil. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Bleeding in the esophagus
• Congestive heart failure
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Kidney disease (Fluimucil contains sodium, which can make these conditions worse)
• Stomach ulcers, or history of ulcers (Fluimucil may increase the risk for more serious side effects)
How should I take Fluimucil?
The recommended dose of Fluimucil is as follows:
Adults: 1 sachet (200mg) to 2 sachets 1 sachet (400mg) taken 2-3 times a day or 1 effervescent tablet (200mg) of Fluimucil daily preferably in the evening. The maximum recommended daily dose is 600 mg per day.
Children: 5ml of Fluimucil oral solution or 1 sachet (100mg) taken 2 to 4 times a day, based on the age of the child or as directed by your doctor. Fluimucil is contraindicated in children below 2 years of age.
To prepare Fluimucil for a child, dissolve the tablets or granules in a glass containing a small quantity of water and stir the content with a spoon for uniform distribution before giving the medication to the child using a cup, teaspoon, or a feeding bottle.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Fluimucil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Only mix Fluimucil with other medications if instructed to do so by your doctor.
How long should I take Fluimucil?
The recommended duration of treatment with Fluimucil is 5 to 10 days in an acute phase. Your doctor may extend the treatment duration for several months in chronic conditions based on your response to the drug and the reasons for which the medication was prescribed. If you vomit within 1 hour after taking Fluimucil, you may need to take another dose.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Fluimucil, take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose on Fluimucil?
If you or someone accidentally took more than the recommended dose of Fluimucil, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Fluimucil overdose may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can a pregnant or breastfeeding woman take Fluimucil?
No, a pregnant woman should not take Fluimucil because there are no adequate studies on the safety of the medication during pregnancy. Fluimucil is excreted into breast milk, to avoid infant exposure during breastfeeding, nursing mothers should consider pumping and discarding their breast milk for 30 hours after taking Fluimucil so that breastfeeding can be continued with no other special precautions.
Fluimucil side effects
Common side effects of Fluimucil include:
- Bronchospasm
- Clamminess
- Coughing up blood
- Disagreeable odor
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Increased volume of bronchial secretions
- Irritation of tracheal or bronchial tract
- Nausea
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling and sores inside the mouth
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
Fluimucil can also cause serious side effects which can include:
- Bleeding
- Bronchoconstriction
- Chest tightness
Fluimucil may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
What medications can interact with Fluimucil?
Fluimucil may potentially interact with certain medications. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to discuss specific drug interactions based on your individual medical history and current medications. Here are some examples of medications that may interact with Fluimucil:
- Nitroglycerin: Concurrent use of Fluimucil with nitroglycerin, a medication used to treat angina and chest pain, may increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitroglycerin. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage of nitroglycerin or monitor your blood pressure more closely.
- Nitroprusside: Fluimucil may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitroprusside, a medication used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. Close monitoring of blood pressure is essential if you’re taking both medications.
- ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Concurrent use of Fluimucil with ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which are used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, may increase the risk of developing hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood). Regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended in such cases.
- Antihypertensive Medications: Fluimucil may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of other antihypertensive medications. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage of these medications or monitor your blood pressure more closely.
- Activated Charcoal: Concurrent use of Fluimucil with activated charcoal may decrease the absorption of NAC. It is recommended to separate the administration of these medications by at least 2 hours.
- Insulin and Hypoglycemic Agents: Fluimucil may potentially enhance the hypoglycemic effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. Blood glucose levels should be closely monitored if you’re taking Fluimucil alongside these medications.
These are not exhaustive lists, and there may be other medications that can interact with Fluimucil. It’s crucial to disclose all your current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure safe and effective use of Fluimucil. They can assess any potential interactions and provide appropriate recommendations based on your specific situation.
