ACC SAFT SIRUP

ACC Saft 20 mg/mL was a mucolytic medicine containing acetylcysteine. It was intended to loosen thick airway mucus and make it easier to clear by coughing.

The former Serbian pack contained 30 g of powder for the preparation of approximately 75 mL of oral solution. Each millilitre of the prepared solution contained 20 mg of acetylcysteine.

ACC Saft – uses, dosage and precautions

What was ACC Saft used for?

ACC Saft was used for acute and chronic respiratory conditions accompanied by excessive production of thick, viscous mucus that was difficult to cough up.

Acetylcysteine reduces mucus viscosity and facilitates expectoration. It is primarily intended for a productive cough with mucus, not for a dry irritating cough without mucus.

Dosage of a 20 mg/mL acetylcysteine oral solution

The current official ACC Kids instructions list the following doses:

• Adults and adolescents over 14 years: 10 mL two or three times daily, corresponding to 400–600 mg of acetylcysteine per day.
• Children aged 6–14 years: 10 mL twice daily, corresponding to 400 mg daily.
• Children aged 2–5 years: 5 mL two or three times daily, corresponding to 200–300 mg daily.

Take the oral solution after a meal and drink sufficient fluids during treatment.

Preparation of the former ACC Saft product

Water was added to the marked line on the bottle, the bottle was shaken vigorously and, when necessary, topped up to the mark again. The prepared solution had to be shaken before each dose.

These instructions apply only to the former powder formulation. Current ACC Kids is supplied as a ready-to-use oral solution.

Duration of treatment

Contact a doctor if symptoms do not improve or become worse after four to five days. Longer treatment of chronic respiratory disorders requires medical supervision.

When must acetylcysteine not be taken?

• allergy to acetylcysteine or an excipient in the specific product;
• age under two years;
• active stomach or duodenal ulcer;
• serious worsening of bronchial asthma;
• an expired product or previously prepared solution kept beyond its permitted period.

Warnings and precautions

Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use in bronchial asthma, previous peptic ulcer, histamine intolerance or reduced ability to cough up mucus.

The volume of loosened mucus may increase at the beginning of treatment. Medical assistance may be needed if it cannot be cleared effectively.

Stop treatment immediately if blistering, peeling skin or new lesions affecting the mouth or other mucous membranes occur.

Interactions with other medicines

• Cough suppressants: may cause dangerous retention of loosened mucus.
• Certain antibiotics: should be taken at least two hours apart; this does not apply to cefixime or loracarbef.
• Activated charcoal: may reduce acetylcysteine’s effect.
• Nitroglycerin: may cause a stronger fall in blood pressure and headache.
• Carbamazepine: acetylcysteine may affect its concentration and effect.

Acetylcysteine may interfere with certain tests for blood salicylates and urinary ketones.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use acetylcysteine during pregnancy or breastfeeding only when a doctor considers it essential.

Driving and using machines

Acetylcysteine has no known effect on the ability to drive or use machines.

Possible side effects

• headache and ringing in the ears;
• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea;
• inflammation of the mouth and indigestion;
• rash, itching, hives and swelling;
• rapid heartbeat and reduced blood pressure;
• bronchospasm and breathing difficulty;
• very rarely, severe allergic reactions or bleeding.

Overdose and missed dose

Overdose may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Contact a doctor if too much has been taken.

Skip a forgotten dose. Do not take a double dose.

Storage of the former ACC Saft product

• The powder was stored in its original package, protected from light, below 30 °C.
• After preparation, the solution was kept for no longer than 12 days in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C.
• Do not use old, expired or previously prepared medicine.

The current ACC Kids solution has different storage instructions: store below 25 °C and use within 11 days after first opening.

Frequently asked questions