Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

acetylcysteine

Noun

/əˈsɛtəlˈsɪsˌtiːn/

Definition

Acetylcysteine is a medication and dietary supplement that acts as a mucolytic agent, helping to reduce the thickness of mucus in the airways.

Examples

Acetylcysteine can be administered via inhalation to help patients with respiratory problems.
The doctor prescribed acetylcysteine following the patient’s overdose.
Many patients find that acetylcysteine helps them breathe more easily during colds and bronchitis.

Meaning

It is commonly used to treat conditions with excessive mucus, such as chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis, and is also known for its role in treating acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose.