What ingredients are in Mucomyst (N‑acetylcysteine) nebulizer solution?

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Last updated: October 2, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Mucomyst Nebulizer Solution Composition

Mucomyst (N-acetylcysteine) nebulizer solution contains acetylcysteine as the active ingredient at concentrations of either 20% (200 mg/mL) or 10% (100 mg/mL), with disodium edetate (EDTA) as a stabilizer in purified water, and pH adjusted to 6.0-7.5 using sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid 1.

Active Ingredient

  • Acetylcysteine: The N-acetyl derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine
    • Molecular formula: C₅H₉NO₃S
    • Molecular weight: 163.2
    • White crystalline powder in its pure form

Inactive Ingredients

The solution contains 1:

  • Disodium edetate (EDTA): Acts as a chelating agent and stabilizer
  • Purified water: Vehicle for the solution
  • Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid: Used to adjust pH to the range of 6.0-7.5

Available Concentrations

  • 20% solution: 200 mg acetylcysteine per mL
  • 10% solution: 100 mg acetylcysteine per mL

The 20% solution can be diluted with sodium chloride for injection, sodium chloride for inhalation, sterile water for injection, or sterile water for inhalation 1.

Important Clinical Considerations

The solution is sterile but NOT for injection 1. It is specifically formulated for inhalation (mucolytic use) or oral administration (acetaminophen antidote).

Storage and Stability

  • Store at room temperature 20-25°C (68-77°F)
  • After opening, refrigerate at 2-8°C (36-46°F)
  • Once opened, use within 96 hours
  • Contains no antimicrobial preservative—minimize contamination
  • Diluted solutions should be freshly prepared and used within 1 hour 1

Safety Note

Never use plain water as a diluent for nebulization, as it can cause bronchoconstriction 2. Only use 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) for dilution 2.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.