What are the ingredients in MURO 128 (acetylcysteine)?

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MURO 128 Ingredients

MURO 128 is a hypertonic sodium chloride ophthalmic solution (2% or 5%) used for corneal edema, and it contains sodium chloride as the active ingredient along with inactive ingredients including preservatives and buffering agents—this is completely unrelated to acetylcysteine (NAC), which is a mucolytic agent used for respiratory conditions and acetaminophen overdose.

Clarification of Product Identity

The question appears to contain a significant error. MURO 128 and acetylcysteine are entirely different pharmaceutical products:

MURO 128 Composition

  • Active ingredient: Sodium chloride (hypertonic solution at 2% or 5% concentration) 1
  • Use: Treatment of corneal edema and opacification 1
  • Route: Topical ophthalmic application 1

Acetylcysteine Composition (For Comparison)

  • Active ingredient: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (C5H9NO3S, molecular weight 163.2) 2
  • Inactive ingredients: Disodium edetate, sodium hydroxide, and water for injection 2
  • Available concentrations: 10% (100 mg/mL) or 20% (200 mg/mL) solutions 2
  • Routes: Inhalation (mucolytic) or oral administration (acetaminophen antidote), NOT for injection 2

Key Distinctions

MURO 128 is used exclusively for ophthalmologic conditions, specifically to draw fluid out of the cornea through osmotic action in cases of corneal edema. 1 The hypertonic sodium chloride creates an osmotic gradient that reduces corneal swelling. 1

Acetylcysteine, by contrast, is used for respiratory conditions as a mucolytic agent and as an antidote for acetaminophen poisoning. 2 It works by breaking down mucus in the airways or by serving as a glutathione precursor in overdose situations. 3, 4

Common Pitfall

Confusing these two medications could lead to serious medication errors, as they have completely different indications, routes of administration, and mechanisms of action. MURO 128 should never be confused with acetylcysteine products.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Acetylcysteine: a drug that is much more than a mucokinetic.

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 1988

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.

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