ACEBROPHYLLINE,ACETYLCYSTEINE

Background and Date of Approval

Acebrophylline and acetylcysteine are approved for medical use in the treatment of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma.

Uses

Acebrophylline+acetylcysteine is used to treat chronic bronchopulmonary disease, acute bronchopulmonary disease, pulmonary complication of cystic fibrosis, bronchial asthma, COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma.

How is it administered?

Acebrophylline+acetylcysteine is available as a tablet which is administered orally with the advice of a doctor. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with Acebrophylline+acetylcysteine, nausea, abdominal pain, headache.

Warnings

People who have allergies to the medicine or any of its ingredients should inform their doctor. Inform your doctor if you have phenylketonuria, angina attacks (tightness in your chest, neck, and arm), or cough before taking the medicine. Acebrophylline + acetylcysteine may pass through the placenta of pregnant women. Consult your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant or while you are breastfeeding.

Precautions

The safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been established in children under 12 years. So, it is recommended to consult your doctor before taking the drug. The medicine should be taken as per the doctor's instructions. Acebrophylline + acetylcysteine should be administered with caution to individuals who habitually consume alcohol, as it may lead to unwanted side effects in such patients. So, it is important to inform your doctor before taking the medicine.

Word of Advice

Patients with gastrointestinal conditions should exercise caution when taking this medicine to minimise undesirable side effects. Inform your doctor of all prescribed and non-prescribed medicines, and maintain a proper diet during treatment. Avoid junk foods and ensure adequate fresh air exposure if experiencing nausea. Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited during acebrophylline and acetylcysteine treatment. Abdominal pain may occur during medication. Contact your doctor if abdominal pain persists.

References

Lamp San Prospero S.p.A., Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on Aug 2021] [ Accessed on 11th Oct 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2488.pdf KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antitubercular drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 771. Goodman & Gilman’s, Chemotherapy of Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex disease, and Leprosy, 12th edition, 2011, 1562-1563. Sumit Roy Tapadar et al., The Effect of Acebrophylline vs Sustained Release Theophylline in Patients of COPD- A Comparative Study,Journal of clinical and diagnostic research, Published on Sep 2014; Accessed on 11/10/2023; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4225926 Rivka S. Horowitz et al., Placental Transfer of N-Acetylcysteine Following Human Maternal Acetaminophen Toxicity, taylor and francis, Published on 29 Jul 2009; Accessed on 11/10/2023; https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.3109/15563659709001226?needAccess=true

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific monitoring schedule I need to undergo while taking acebrophylline + acetylcysteine?

If you have asthma, you need close monitoring by your doctor while under medication.

What are the precautions I need to take while under acebrophylline + acetylcysteine medication?

Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders should be cautious while taking the medicine. Inform your doctor if you have phenylketonuria, angina attacks (tightness in your chest, neck, and arm), or cough before taking the medicine.

Can I drink alcohol while under medication?

Acebrophylline + acetylcysteine should be administered with caution to individuals who habitually consume alcohol, as it may lead to unwanted side effects in such patients. So, it is important to inform your doctor before taking the medicine.

Do I have abdominal pain during the acebrophylline + acetylcysteine medication?

Yes, you may feel abdominal pain during the acebrophylline + acetylcysteine medication. Speak with your doctor if you have persistent abdominal pain.

Can I take acebrophylline + acetylcysteine medication if I am allergic to it?

It is recommended to consult your doctor if you have allergies to the medicine or any of its ingredients.

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS