What is acetylcysteine used for?

Indications and Usage, quoted from the label by Hospira, Inc. (ANDA073664). Cross-references to other label sections are left out.

Acetylcysteine is indicated as adjuvant therapy for patients with abnormal, viscid, or inspissated mucous secretions in such conditions as:

Chronic bronchopulmonary disease (chronic emphysema, emphysema with bronchitis, chronic asthmatic bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis and primary amyloidosis of the lung)

Acute bronchopulmonary disease (pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis)

Pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis

Tracheostomy care

Pulmonary complications associated with surgery

Use during anesthesia

Post-traumatic chest conditions

Atelectasis due to mucous obstruction

Diagnostic bronchial studies (bronchograms, bronchospirometry, and bronchial wedge catheterization)

Source: DailyMed label, set id 5558a5f5-e821-473b-7d8a-5d33d09f0586, version 22, effective May 22, 2026. NDC 0409-3307, one of 15 listings for this product.

Indications and Usage, quoted from the label by Sagent Pharmaceuticals (ANDA091684). Cross-references to other label sections are left out.

Acetylcysteine Injection is indicated to prevent or lessen hepatic injury after ingestion of a potentially hepatotoxic quantity of acetaminophen in adults and pediatric patients who weigh 5 kg or greater with acute ingestion or from repeated supratherapeutic ingestion (RSI).

Source: DailyMed label, set id c206c659-16ea-444a-8c60-8a3343400ada, version 15, effective October 26, 2025. NDC 25021-812, one of 10 listings for this product.