The Basics
What is Acetylcysteine?
When inhaled, used to help thin and loosen mucus in the airways due to certain lung diseases. When taken by mouth, acetylcysteine is used to prevent liver damage from acetaminophen overdose.
Brand names for Acetylcysteine
Cetylev, Acetadote, Nac
How Acetylcysteine is classified
Antidotes, Expectorants, Free Radical Scavengers
Acetylcysteine During Pregnancy
Acetylcysteine pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Acetylcysteine while pregnant
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Acetadote in pregnant women. However, limited case reports of pregnant women exposed to acetylcysteine during various trimesters did not report any adverse maternal, fetal or neonatal outcomes. There are published reports on four pregnant women with acetaminophen toxicity, who were treated with oral or intravenous acetylcysteine at the time of delivery. Acetylcysteine crossed the placenta and was measurable following delivery in serum and cord blood of three viable infants and in cardiac blood of a fourth infant at autopsy (22 weeks gestational age who died 3 hours after birth). No adverse sequelae developed in the three viable infants. All mothers recovered and none of the infants had evidence of acetaminophen poisoning. Reproduction studies were performed in rats at oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day (1.1 times the recommended total human intravenous dose of 300 mg/kg based on body surface area comparison) and in rabbits at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day (1.1 times the recommended total human intravenous dose of 300 mg/kg based on body surface area comparison). No effects on fertility or harm to the fetus due to acetylcysteine were observed
Taking Acetylcysteine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Acetylcysteine?
No information is available on the use of acetylcysteine during breastfeeding. To avoid infant exposure, nursing mothers may consider pumping and discarding their milk for 30 hours after administration. Acetylcysteine is very minimally absorbed after inhalation, so breastfeeding can be continued and no special precautions are required.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the use of acetylcysteine during breastfeeding. To avoid infant exposure, nursing mothers may consider pumping and discarding their milk for 30 hours after administration. Acetylcysteine is very minimally absorbed after inhalation, so breastfeeding can be continued and no special precautions are required.
Possible effects of Acetylcysteine on milk supply
Possible alternatives to Acetylcysteine
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/None listed
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
