GCNAC — Acetylcysteine Injection, 3 ml × 10 ampoules

GCNAC — Acetylcysteine Injection (3 ml × 10 ampoules)

GCNAC is an injectable acetylcysteine solution used as a mucolytic agent for respiratory conditions and as an antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. It is supplied in 3 ml ampoules, 10 per box.

Active Ingredient and Formulation:

• Active ingredient: Acetylcysteine
• Form: colorless, transparent injectable solution in brown ampoules
• Ampoule volume: 3 ml
• Packaging: 10 ampoules per box

Therapeutic Uses:

1. Mucolytic / Expectorant

Helps dissolve and clear thick, viscous mucus in:

• acute and chronic bronchitis
• bronchiectasis
• asthma‑related bronchitis
• pharyngitis, sinusitis
• cystic fibrosis
• postoperative pulmonary complications

In children: acute and chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis.

2. Detoxification / Antidote

Used in acetaminophen overdose to replenish glutathione and prevent liver injury.

Dosage and Administration

For mucus dissolution:

• Intravenous (IV):
  • adults: 600–900 mg
  • children: 300–450 mg
  • 2–3 times daily
  • dilute in saline or 5% glucose and inject slowly (at least 5 minutes)
• Intramuscular (IM):
  • adults: 300 mg once
  • children: 150 mg once or twice daily

Acetaminophen Overdose (IV Protocol)

Total dose: 300 mg/kg over 20 hours 15 minutes.

1. Initial phase (15 minutes): 150 mg/kg in 200 ml of 5% glucose
2. Second phase (4 hours): 50 mg/kg in 500 ml of 5% glucose
3. Final phase (16 hours): 100 mg/kg in 1,000 ml of 5% glucose

Adjustments are made based on patient weight.

Storage:

• Store in an opaque, sealed container at 1–30°C
• Protect from light
• Do not freeze

Precautions and Side Effects

Common side effects:

• nausea, vomiting
• gastrointestinal discomfort
• skin irritation

Rare but serious:

• anaphylaxis
• bronchospasm
• severe hypotension (especially with IV use)

Special populations:

Use with caution in children, elderly patients, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to acetylcysteine.

Drug interactions:

Direct mixing may interact with certain antibiotics (ampicillin, tetracyclines, macrolides).

Clinical Notes:

• Acetylcysteine increases glutathione levels, providing antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects.
• Supports liver protection in toxic exposures.
• Studied for use in contrast‑induced nephropathy, ARDS, and COVID‑19‑related respiratory complications.