ACC for cough – indications, contraindications, composition. How to use ACC?

Proven content

ACC is a mucolytic drug used in the treatment of coughs and colds – it acts on the residual secretion, reducing its viscosity and facilitating expectoration. The active substance of the preparation is acetylcysteine. ACC products are available over the counter. The drug is available in various forms (e.g. tablets, syrup, sachets). The type of ACC should be selected taking into account age – some preparations are suitable for adults, others for younger children.

What is ACC?

ACC is a cough remedy that helps to get rid of secretions in the airways. The preparation reduces the viscosity of the mucus, thus facilitating its expectoration. The indication for the use of ACC is bronchitis occurring with colds. The active ingredient of ACC is acetylcysteine, which liquefies the secretion (secretolytic effect) and allows it to be removed more easily from the respiratory tract (secretomotor effect).

ACC is available as tablets, effervescent tablets and a powder for oral solution.

ACC tablets – contraindications

Before using ACC, please read the contraindications to its use, listed in this leaflet.

The counter-measures described in the package leaflet:

1. do not take if you are allergic to acetylcysteine ​​or any of the substances contained in the product;
2. do not use in the case of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
3. do not reach for the drug in acute asthmatic conditions;
4. do not use in children under 3 years of age.

Care should be taken with regard to the age of use of the ACC product. Some types of preparation are not intended for children younger than 6 or 14 years old.

See also: Choking cough – what can it result from and how to deal with it?

ACC tablets – warnings

Before taking ACC, talk to your doctor first if any of the following applies to you:

1. the patient is taking antitussive drugs;
2. you are taking antibiotics – some of them (e.g. semi-synthetic penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines) reduce the effect of acetylcysteine ​​and should be taken two hours before ACC treatment;
3. activated carbon is used – its large amounts limit the action of ACC;
4. the patient is simultaneously taking nitroglycerins or other nitrites, i.e. drugs administered in the case of ischemic heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases;
5. you have or suffer from bronchial asthma, as the drug may cause bronchospasm and shortness of breath;
6. you have a history of peptic ulcer disease; 
7. you have or have had respiratory failure in the past;  
8. the patient has a problem with expectoration – it may be necessary to use the so-called respiratory physical therapy; 
9. the patient has been diagnosed with histamine intolerance – long-term use of the drug may cause intolerance symptoms, such as headache, nasal discharge, itching;  
10. the patient is elderly – over 65 years of age.

ACC may influence the results of some laboratory tests. Inform the doctor about the use of the preparation, as it may be important in the context of ketone bodies in the urine or the determination of salicylates in the blood or urine.

The ACC tablets contain lactose and sodium. In the case of sodium, its content is negligible, therefore the preparation is sodium-free.

ACC tablets – composition

In the case of ACC 200 mg tablets, the composition of the drug includes:

1. active ingredient – acetylcysteine;
2. lactose monohydrate;
3. corn starch;
4. microcrystalline cellulose;
5. sodium cyclamate;
6. citric acid;
7. sodium saccharin;
8. magnesium stearate;
9. lemon flavor.

The composition and dose of the active substance may differ from each other in the case of other variants of the ACC product, so you should always make sure that you are not hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the selected preparation. You may be allergic Allergic reaction, manifested, inter alia, in rash, itching, hives, shortness of breath, drop in blood pressure or increased heart rate.

ACC tablets – dosage

Be sure to adhere to the recommended dosage when taking ACC. The preparation should be taken after a meal, and remember to drink a minimum of 1,5 liters of fluids a day during treatment. Are proposed two ways to administer the ACC tablet – you can swallow it (do not chew it) and drink it with water, or dissolve it in a glass of water (half full of liquid) and drink it immediately. You can take ACC at the latest 4 hours before going to bed – using it at night may cause a choking hazard.

In the case of ACC tablets 200 mg the recommended dosage depends on age:

1. adults and adolescents over 14 years of age: take 1 tablet two or three times a day;
2. children 6–14 years: administer 1 tablet twice a day (twice 200 mg); if it is recommended to use 300 g of acetylcysteine ​​during the day, we should reach for the ACC mini drug.

ACC drug – overdose

People using ACC should follow the dosage described in this leaflet or follow the instructions of their doctor or pharmacist. Taking too high a dose of the preparation requires consulting a doctor. Possible symptoms of overdose include: diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

ACC – what forms is it available?

ACC is available as tablets, effervescent tablets, granules for oral solution, powder for solution, oral powder and syrup. Individual preparations deliver acetylcysteine ​​in different doses. Some of the ACC family products are:

1. ACC classic – 20 mg / ml syrup for short-term use, suitable for children from 3 years of age, adolescents and adults;
2. ACC – a product that delivers acetylcysteine ​​in a single dose of 200 mg, available in tablets, effervescent tablets and powder for oral solution; the product is not suitable for children under the age of 6;
3. ACC mini – a product in the form of effervescent tablets (100 mg) or powder for oral solution (100 mg) for children from 3 to 6 years, as well as older children, adolescents and adults;
4. ACC Hot – granules for oral solution (200 mg / 3 g) intended for adults and adolescents over 14 years of age, as well as children between 6 and 14 years of age; the contents of the sachet with the preparation are dissolved in hot water before consumption;
5. ACC Optima – effervescent tablets (600 mg of active substance in the table) is a product for adults and adolescents over 14 years of age;
6. ACC Optima Active – oral powder in sachet (600 mg), it is a medicine intended for adults only; the method of administration is to pour the contents of the sachet directly onto the tongue and swallow it;
7. ACC Optima Hot – powder for oral solution (600 mg / 3 g); the preparation is suitable only for adolescents over 14 years of age and adults, the contents of the sachet are dissolved in warm water before taking.

ACC – possible side effects

Some people may experience side effects while taking ACC. Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, dyspnoea or changes in the mucous membranes and skin, accompanied by joint pain and fever, are particularly dangerous and require immediate discontinuation of the drug and seeking medical help.

Among side effects that occur uncommonly in ACC users, headache, tinnitus, allergic reactions, fever, tachycardia, hypotension, itching, rash, angioedema, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomatitis may be mentioned. The rare symptoms include bronchospasm, shortness of breath and indigestion.

Very rarely, after taking ACC, anaphylactic reactions (including anaphylactic shock), haemorrhagic reactions in the skin or mucous membranes indicating toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome have occurred. Facial swelling may also occur with an unknown frequency.

ACC and pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of any medications or dietary supplements during pregnancy requires consultation with the attending physician. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking ACC.

ACC can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if the doctor deems it necessary.

ACC — cena

Cena leku ACC may differ depending on the city in which the preparation will be purchased or the pharmacy chosen by the patient. The price of the product also depends on the selected form of the drug:

1. ACC – 20 tablets of 200 mg costs about PLN 12;
2. ACC Classic – 100 ml of 20 mg / ml oral solution costs about PLN 15;
3. ACC mini – 20 sachets of 3 g costs about PLN 12;
4. ACC Hot – 10 sachets of 3 g costs about PLN 17;
5. ACC Optima – 10 effervescent tablets 600 mg cost about PLN 14;
6. ACC Optima Active – 10 sachets of 600 mg powder costs about PLN 12.

Read also:

1. Cough medications and other preparations used at that time
2. How to cure a tiresome cough? Types of cough and ways to relieve discomfort
3. Home remedies for cough – how to relieve this persistent ailment in children and adults?