Have To Take Acelylcystein Perscribed By Doctor. Can I Take Acelylcysteine Injection For Intravenous Use?

Posted on Tue, 9 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 9 Jul 2013 Answered on

Thu, 1 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Have to take acelylcystein as perscribed by my doctor. The box I picked up from the drugstore says acelylcysteine injection for intravenous use. Can I drink this as told or did I get the wrong perscribition?

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (1 hour later)

Dear patient,

There are both oral, inhaled and intravenous formulations of NAC (N acetylcysteine); the oral form usually comes as a liquid or a powder that you reconstitute; those presentations are the ones you need; the IV presentation is usually used in the hospital for prevention of contrast nephropathy or acetaminophen poisoning.

Truly yours,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar