Mucomyst

Mucomyst belongs to a group of drugs called mucolytic. As the name suggests, such drugs are used for the decrease in the quantity of mucus in an air passageway to make breathing comfortable.

It liquefies or dissolves the mucus which is then easily removed. This drug is commonly used in conditions in which there is copious mucus production. It is a prescription drug available only in the form of a solution.

The patient is the authoritative figure when it comes to any medical procedure or any drug therapy. It is important for the patient to know all the details about the drug and the start it.

Doctor also has a duty to bring out answers from the patient which play an important role in treatment like history, any allergy or any medical condition the patient has. For this purpose, it is important to have a detailed session between patient and the physician before starting this drug to sort out all the details.

A detailed history of a patient is extremely important prior to any medical therapy and in this case, it is more likely that a drug is started after it.

Allergies or any history of allergy to any drug, food, preservatives, dyes or animal products; history of drug usage, past medical or surgical procedure should also be kept in the record to predict any drug interaction.

Physical examination should be done before starting this drug so that any physiological or pathological condition by which this drug may interfere may be ruled out.

The age-specific analysis is vital to have information about side effects of different age groups. There is a lack of enough studies in children or old age group to compare its usefulness and harms.

There is no harm to the fetus during its use in pregnancy according to animal studies, while there are not enough studies in breastfeeding women to have a clear idea about its use.

Drug interactions are the effects of the therapy or the condition for which the drug is used by other drugs used concomitantly.

It is necessary that no drug be started without consulting a physician as another drug may cause an alteration in the effect of a drug or its removal from the body.

The patient should not start any new medication, even over the counter drugs, without consulting the physician to avoid such interactions.

There are certain drugs which are used along acetylcysteine and their use is associated with an increase in side effects.

Drugs like carbamazepine and nitroglycerin are among those which are used for better treatment but also result in an increase in side effects. The effects of certain foods, alcohol, and tobacco on the drug activity should also be asked prior to therapy.

Medical conditions, other than the condition for which this drug is used, may also affect working of the drug and cause harm. It is important for the patient to give detailed history, and important for the doctor to derive such details from the patient to avoid such circumstances.

The conditions which may interact with this drug include asthma which is worsened by this drug and decreased the ability to cough as in comatose patients as mucus cannot be removed from their air passageway easily.

To use Mucomyst properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Mucomyst is available in the form of easy to inhale solution which can be used along with nebulizer or through metered dose container.

Use only as directed by your doctor. Try to cough out as much mucus as one can after using it.

Before using Mucomyst, there are some precautions you must take. Precautions are the part and parcel of any treatment and patient must adhere to these to improve the outcome.

It is the duty of the doctor or any medical care provider to make the patient aware of these tips as an aid to the therapy. Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve. Regular checkups with a doctor are important to check the progress.

It also allows the patient to ask about any complication which has occurred by this drug. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consultation. Store it in a dry place at room temperature. Keep it away from the reach of children.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Mucomyst. Some drugs are relatively safe for use while for some drug, the patient should be cautious as these drugs may cause more harm than good.

The patient should always get medical help in case of any adverse effect, no matter how much trivial it is. Due to its topical application, this drug does not pass through body systems and is much safer as compared to other drugs.

Some side effects associated with this drug include stickiness on face due to the use of face mask, unpleasant odor of the drug may cause disturbance and patient may experience dryness of mouth after its initial use.