Is Acetylcysteine compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Acetylcysteine?

Acetylcysteine

March 22, 2018 (Very Low Risk)

Aminoacid with mucolytic properties. It is commonly used in infants either as a mucolytic, or, at a higher doses as a deintoxicant against paracetamol poisoning. It may be found in combination with other aminoacids in IV solutions for parenteral nutrition.

On latest update no published data about breastfeeding were found.

Because it is a toxicity free drug with low oral absorption and commonly prescribed to treat neonates, even at high dose,problems related to breastfeeding are highly unlikely.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Acetylcysteine since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Acetylcysteine Sodium

Writings

  • Ακετυλοκυστεΐνη (Greek)
  • أستيلسيستئين (Arabic)
  • Ацетилцистеин (Cyrillic)
  • 乙酰半胱氨酸 (Chinese)
  • アセチルシステイン (Japanese)
  • C5 H9 NO3 S (Molecular formula)
  • N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (Chemical name)
  • R05CB01; S01XA08; V03AB23 (ATC Code/s)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Brener P, Ballardo M, Mariani G, Ceriani Cernadas JM. Medication error in an extremely low birth weight infant: paracetamol overdose. Arch Argent Pediatr. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Bajorek S, Basaldua R, McGoogan K, Miller C, Sussman CB. Neonatal gastric lactobezoar: management with N-acetylcysteine. Case Rep Pediatr. 2012Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  3. Aiyagari R, Gelehrter S, Bove EL, Ohye RG, Devaney EJ, Hirsch JC, Gurney JG, Charpie JR. Effects of N-acetylcysteine on renal dysfunction in neonates undergoing the arterial switch operation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010Abstract
  4. Walls L, Baker CF, Sarkar S. Acetaminophen-induced hepatic failure with encephalopathy in a newborn. J Perinatol. 2007Abstract
  5. Soghier LM, Brion LP. Cysteine, cystine or N-acetylcysteine supplementation in parenterally fed neonates. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006Abstract
  6. Emil S, Nguyen T, Sills J, Padilla G. Meconium obstruction in extremely low-birth-weight neonates: guidelines for diagnosis and management. J Pediatr Surg. 2004Abstract
  7. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Pendyala L, Creaven PJ. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of N-acetylcysteine, a potential chemopreventive agent during a phase I trial. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1995Abstract
  9. Holdiness MR. Clinical pharmacokinetics of N-acetylcysteine. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1991Abstract
  10. Olsson B, Johansson M, Gabrielsson J, Bolme P. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of reduced and oxidized N-acetylcysteine. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1988Abstract
  11. Borgström L, Kågedal B, Paulsen O. Pharmacokinetics of N-acetylcysteine in man. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1986Abstract