What is Fluimucil used for?

Fluimucil is a brand name for acetylcysteine sachets and tablets which may be used to clear phlegm and liquefy thick and viscous mucus secretions caused by respiratory conditions such as acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, pulmonary emphysema, or bronchiectasis. It is a type of mucolytic.

Fluimucil is available over the counter (without a prescription) in most countries that have it.

What countries have Fluimucil?

Fluimucil is reportedly available in the following countries, but not in the United States:

• Belgium
• Brazil
• China
• Columbia
• France
• Germany
• India
• Indonesia
• Italy
• Malaysia
• Netherlands
• Philippines
• Portugal
• Russia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom.

Brands of acetylcysteine available in the United States include Acys-5, Cetylev, NAC, N-A-C Sustain, and Mucomyst. Some brands are available only on prescription and others over the counter.

Some brands of acetylcysteine can also be used to prevent or lessen liver damage caused by an overdose of acetaminophen. Do not attempt to treat an acetaminophen overdose with acetylcysteine without medical advice.

Who should not take Fluimucil?

Fluimucil should not be taken by:

• Children under the age of 2 years because mucolytics can cause respiratory obstruction
• People with a known hypersensitivity to Fluimucil, acetylcysteine, or any of the inactive ingredients contained in Fluimucil
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding except on medical advice
• Phenylketonurics because the tablets and sachets contain aspartame.

Fluimucil may not be compatible with certain medications, such as carbamazepine, nitroglycerin, or medications that also irritate the stomach. Tell your doctor or pharmacist what other medications and supplements you take and ask for their advice.

Tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, such as:

• Asthma
• Bleeding in the esophagus or stomach or a history of stomach ulcers
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Kidney or liver disease.

Fluimucil granules also contain sorbitol and people with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance should not take Fluimucil.

Related questions

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How do you take Fluimucil?

Fluimucil is available as effervescent tablets and sachets containing granules of acetylcysteine and these are usually taken 2 to 3 times daily when used to relieve congestion.

• Dissolve the effervescent tablets in water before taking and drink the solution within 2 hours of mixing
• Mix the contents of a sachet in a glass containing a small amount of water and drink within 2 hours of mixing.

What are the side effects of Fluimucil?

Fluimucil is usually well tolerated but the most common side effects reported are:

• Mild nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Stomach upset
• Vomiting
• Headache.

Talk with your doctor if any unusual or worrying side effects occur, such as:

• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• Fever
• Severe or ongoing vomiting
• Swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

What else should I know about Fluimucil?

At the start of treatment with Fluimucil, you may notice an increase in mucus production from your lungs. If you are having difficulty coughing these secretions out, try using postural drainage – this is where you position your body either on a bed or on the floor so that your chest is lower than your hips to allow mucus to drain. If this is ineffective, and your coughing is affecting your breathing, talk to your doctor.

Fluimucil may have a slight sulfur-like smell. This is a characteristic of the active ingredient, acetylcysteine. People with sulfa allergies (who are unable to take medications with a sulfonamide group) are unlikely to react to Fluimucil. It's extremely rare to have a sulfur allergy and sulfa and sulfur are two different substances.

Each Fluimucil effervescent tablet contains 6.8 mmol (156.9mg) of sodium and should be taken into consideration by people on a controlled sodium diet or with uncontrolled high blood pressure.

If you develop any worrying side effects while taking Fluimucil, call your doctor.

What is acetylcysteine or N-acetylcysteine?

Acetylcysteine (also called N-acetylcysteine) is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in our bodies. It is the N-acetyl derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine and a precursor in the formation of the antioxidant glutathione in the body.