Fluimucil is a brand name for acetylcysteine sachets and tablets used as an expectorant to clear phlegm and break up thick, sticky mucus secretions caused by respiratory tract conditions, such as acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, pulmonary emphysema, or bronchiectasis. It is a type of mucolytic. Acetylcysteine is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

Fluimucil is available over the counter (without a prescription) in most countries where it's marketed.

What countries have Fluimucil available?

Fluimucil is available over-the-counter in many countries, including Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, the Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, but it is not available in the United States.

In the United States, acetylcysteine is not available as the brand Fluimucil, but is available as other brands, such as NAC and N-A-C Sustain.

Is there an alternative to Fluimucil in the United States?

Yes. In the United States, acetylcysteine is available as a generic and under the brands NAC and N-A-C Sustain, as a solution for inhalation, an injectable solution, and an oral effervescent tablet. Some brands require a prescription while others are sold over-the-counter.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is widely available as a dietary supplement in health stores, pharmacies, and online retailers without a prescription for general wellness and antioxidant support.

Some acetylcysteine formulations are used to prevent or reduce liver damage from acetaminophen poisoning. Do not attempt to treat an acetaminophen overdose with acetylcysteine without emergency medical supervision.

What is Acetylcysteine or N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)?

Acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are actually the same compound - there is no difference between them. The "N-acetyl" prefix simply refers to the chemical structure where an acetyl group is attached to the nitrogen atom of the amino acid L-cysteine. Both terms describe this modified form of the amino acid cysteine.

This compound serves as a precursor for glutathione synthesis, one of the body's most important antioxidants that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports liver detoxification processes.

Why take NAC as a supplement?

NAC supplements are popular because they may offer several potential health benefits:

• Antioxidant support: Helps replenish glutathione levels, which can become depleted due to aging, illness, or environmental toxins
• Respiratory health: May help thin mucus secretions and support lung function, similar to its use in medications like Fluimucil
• Liver support: Assists in liver detoxification and may help protect against certain types of liver damage
• Immune system support: Glutathione plays a crucial role in immune function
• Mental health: Some research suggests NAC may support mood and cognitive function.

NAC supplements are commonly available in health food stores, pharmacies, and online without prescription, typically in capsule or tablet form ranging from 500 mg to 1000 mg doses. However, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

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Who should not take Fluimucil? Safety & contraindications

Fluimucil should not be taken by:

• Infants and children under 2 years old, because mucolytics can cause airway obstruction
• People with known allergic reactions to Fluimucil, acetylcysteine, or any inactive ingredients
• Pregnant women or nursing mothers except under medical supervision
• People with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid tablets and sachets that contain aspartame as a sweetener.

Fluimucil may interact with certain medications, including carbamazepine, nitroglycerin, or stomach-irritating drugs. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and dietary supplements you're taking.

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

• Asthma or breathing disorders
• Gastrointestinal bleeding, esophageal bleeding, or peptic ulcer history
• Heart failure
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Kidney disease or liver disease

Fluimucil granules contain sorbitol and people with hereditary fructose intolerance should avoid this medication.

How do you take Fluimucil? Dosage & administration

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.

Important Fluimucil information

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 (156.9 mg) 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.

References

• Colovic, M. B., Vasic, V. M., Djuric, D. M., & Krstic, D. Z. (2018). Sulphur-containing Amino Acids: Protective Role Against Free Radicals and Heavy Metals. Current medicinal chemistry, 25(3), 324–335. https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867324666170609075434
• Fluimucil. Acetylcysteine. MIMS.com https://www.mims.com/philippines/drug/info/fluimucil?type=full

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