Acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine)

Mucus thinner
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Acetylcysteine is a mucus thinner found in 7 medicines sold in India, such as Mucinac 600, Nacfil, Mucaryl. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: nac, n-acetylcysteine

What it is used for

Thins thick phlegm in chest conditions; in hospitals it treats paracetamol overdose.

How it works

N-acetylcysteine breaks the bonds in thick mucus so it can be coughed up; in hospital it is the antidote to paracetamol overdose.

How to take it

Effervescent tablets or sachets dissolved in water, usually 600 mg once a day.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhoea

Get medical help straight away if

  • Wheeze or breathlessness
  • Rash or swelling

Be careful

Can cause nausea; dissolve effervescent tablets fully.

Other medicines and interactions

Do not take with cough suppressants for a wet cough. Separate from antibiotics by 2 hours.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask your doctor before use in pregnancy and breastfeeding (antidote use in overdose is always appropriate).

Brands of Acetylcysteine (7)

Lumenac SF OrangeMucarylMucinac 600MucotabNacfilQuicnac Sugar Free Orange EffervescentViscojoy Sugar Free Orange Effervescent

Common questions

What is Acetylcysteine used for?

Thins thick phlegm in chest conditions; in hospitals it treats paracetamol overdose.

How does Acetylcysteine work?

N-acetylcysteine breaks the bonds in thick mucus so it can be coughed up; in hospital it is the antidote to paracetamol overdose.

How should I take Acetylcysteine?

Effervescent tablets or sachets dissolved in water, usually 600 mg once a day.

What are the side effects of Acetylcysteine?

Common: Nausea, heartburn, diarrhoea. Get help straight away for: Wheeze or breathlessness, rash or swelling.

Does Acetylcysteine interact with other medicines?

Do not take with cough suppressants for a wet cough. Separate from antibiotics by 2 hours.

Is Acetylcysteine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Ask your doctor before use in pregnancy and breastfeeding (antidote use in overdose is always appropriate).

Does Acetylcysteine need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Acetylcysteine?

Lumenac SF Orange, Mucaryl, Mucinac 600, Mucotab, Nacfil, Quicnac Sugar Free Orange Effervescent, Viscojoy Sugar Free Orange Effervescent.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.