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Other strengths and forms by Unimed Unihealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Viscotin is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic medicine. It thins mucus, most likely by breaking disulphide bonds within mucoproteins, and also reduces secretion, together clearing the airways and making breathing easier. It further acts as an antioxidant, both by reacting directly with free radicals and by acting as a building block for glutathione, a key antioxidant inside and outside cells. Through this antioxidant action, it neutralises oxidants from both outside and inside the body, which would otherwise contribute to inflammation of the airways.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
adults and children above 6 years should take 1 sachet of Acetylcysteine 200 mg, or 2 sachets of Acetylcysteine 100 mg, 2 to 3 times a day. Children aged 2 to 6 years should take 1 sachet of Acetylcysteine 100 mg, 2 to 4 times a day depending on age. Treatment usually lasts 5 to 10 days for acute conditions, though it may continue for several months in chronic states on the physician's advice. Dissolve the contents of the sachet in a glass containing a small amount of water, stirring with a spoon if needed, to obtain a palatable solution that can be drunk directly from the glass.
Dosage for other forms (2)
adults and children above 6 years should take one effervescent tablet of Acetylcysteine 600 mg a day, preferably in the evening. Treatment usually lasts 5 to 10 days for acute conditions, though it may continue for several months in chronic states on the physician's advice. Dissolve the tablet in a glass containing a small amount of water, stirring with a spoon if needed, to obtain a palatable solution that can be drunk directly from the glass.
the 20% solution may be diluted to a lower concentration using Sodium Chloride for injection, Sodium Chloride for inhalation, sterile water for injection, or sterile water for inhalation. Adults may take 5 to 10 ml of the 10% or 20% solution by nebuliser every 6 to 8 hours as needed (prn). Children aged 1 to 11 months may take 1 to 2 ml of the 20% solution, or 2 to 4 ml of the 10% solution, by nebuliser every 6 to 8 hours prn. Children aged 12 months to 11 years may take 3 to 5 ml of the 20% solution, or 6 to 10 ml of the 10% solution, by nebuliser every 6 to 8 hours prn. Children below 12 years may take 5 to 10 ml of the 10% or 20% solution by nebuliser every 6 to 8 hours prn. For diagnostic bronchograms, 1 to 2 ml of the 20% solution, or 2 to 4 ml of the 10% solution, may be given 2 to 3 times by nebulisation, or by instillation into the trachea, before the procedure.
Nebulisation tent or croupette: this method of administration requires very large volumes of the solution, occasionally as much as 300 ml during a single treatment period. If a tent or croupette is used, the recommended dose is whatever volume of the 20% acetylcysteine solution maintains a very heavy mist in the tent or croupette for the desired period. It may be desirable to administer the treatment intermittently or continuously over a prolonged period, including overnight.
Direct instillation: when given by direct instillation, 1 to 2 ml of a 20% solution may be given as often as every hour. For routine nursing care of patients with a tracheostomy, 1 to 2 ml of a 20% solution may be given every 1 to 4 hours by instillation into the tracheostomy.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Alistin EF can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. On rare occasions, serious immune reactions can develop, including anaphylactic shock and severe skin reactions. When taken orally, it can also, in rare instances, lead to shortness of breath, an upset stomach, and bronchospasm. More commonly reported side effects include headache, a faster heartbeat, mouth inflammation (stomatitis), itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, a drop in blood pressure, diarrhoea, and ringing in the ears.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Patients with bronchial asthma must be closely monitored during treatment; if bronchospasm occurs, treatment should be stopped immediately. Caution is advised in patients who have, or have had, peptic ulcer disease. Because Viscotin contains sodium (156.9mg per dose), this should be taken into account by patients on a controlled sodium diet. A faint sulphur-like odor may occasionally be noticed; this does not mean the product has deteriorated, as it is simply characteristic of the active ingredient in Alistin EF. It is best not to mix other medicines with the Viscotin solution.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to Acetylcysteine. Because Acetylcysteine contains aspartame, it should not be used in patients with phenylketonuria.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Taking too much Acetylcysteine can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Acetylcysteine in a cool, dry place and away from light.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Viscotin 200 mg
What is Viscotin 200 mg Effervescent Granules?
Viscotin 200 mg Effervescent Granules is a medicine that contains Acetylcysteine. It is made by Unimed Unihealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Antidote preparations group of medicines.
What is Viscotin used for?
Viscotin is used for: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Bronchitis.
What are the side effects of Viscotin?
Like all medicines, Alistin EF can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. On rare occasions, serious immune reactions can develop, including anaphylactic shock and severe skin reactions.
Can I take Viscotin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Viscotin?
Taking too much Acetylcysteine can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Viscotin?
Keep Acetylcysteine in a cool, dry place and away from light.
Can I take other medicines with Viscotin?
Some medicines can interact with Acetylcysteine, for example: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Tetracycline Hydrochloride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Viscotin?
Viscotin is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.