Acetadote

Acetylcysteine · Injection, Solution · Intravenous

Prescription (Rx) Antidote Antidote for Acetaminophen Overdose Mucolytic

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ACETADOTE is indicated to prevent or lessen hepatic injury after ingestion of a potentially hepatotoxic quantity of acetaminophen in adults and pediatric patients who weigh 5 kg or greater with acute ingestion or from repeated supratherapeutic ingestion (RSI). ACETADOTE is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose indicated to prevent or lessen hepatic injury after ingestion of a potentially hepatotoxic quantity of acetaminophen in adults and pediatric patients who weigh 5 kg or greater with acute ingestion or from repeated supratherapeutic ingestion (RSI) ( 1 ).

Dosage and administration

Pre-Treatment Assessment Following Acute Ingestion ( 2.1 ) : Prior to initiating treatment with ACETADOTE, decide whether the three-bag or two-bag regimen will be used. Obtain a plasma or serum sample to assay for acetaminophen concentration at least 4 hours after ingestion. If the time of acetaminophen ingestion is unknown: Administer a loading dose of ACETADOTE immediately. Obtain an acetaminophen concentration to determine need for continued treatment. If the acetaminophen concentration cannot be obtained (or is unavailable or uninterpretable) within the 8-hour time interval after acetaminophen ingestion or there is clinical evidence of acetaminophen toxicity: Administer a loading dose of ACETADOTE immediately and continue treatment for a total of two doses over 20 hours or three doses over 21 hours ( 2.5 ). If the patient presents more than 8 hours after ingestion and the time of acute acetaminophen ingestion is known: Administer a loading dose of ACETADOTE immediately Obtain acetaminophen concentration to determine need for continued treatment If the patient presents less than 8 hours after ingestion and the time of acute acetaminophen ingestion is known and the acetaminophen concentration is known: Use the revised Rumack-Matthew nomogram ( Figure 1 ) to determine whether or not to initiate treatment with ACETADOTE ( 2.2 ) Nomogram for Estimating Potential for Hepatotoxicity from Acute Acetaminophen Ingestion ( 2.2 ): See Full Prescribing Information for instructions on how to use the nomogram to determine the need for dosing. Preparation and Storage of Diluted Solution Prior to Administration ( 2.3 ) : Calculate the dose (mg) based on the patient's weight in kg; multiple vials of ACETADOTE may be required. ACETADOTE is hyperosmolar (2,600 mOsmol/L), therefore ACETADOTE must be diluted in the recommended volume of sterile water for injection, 0.45% sodium chloride injection, or 5% dextrose in water injection prior to intravenous administration. In general, 0.45% normal saline is the preferred diluent because it provides a more consistent osmolarity profile, reduces the amount of free water delivered to the patient, and better approximates physiologic fluids. See Full Prescribing Information for examples of osmolarity depending on the type of solution and ACETADOTE concentration. General Considerations for Selecting the Three-Bag or Two-Bag Regimen ( 2.4 ): It is not known whether the two-bag regimen is comparable to the three-bag regimen in preventing hepatotoxicity. Patients 40 kg or less should receive the three-bag regimen. For patients weighing 41 kg or greater, the three-bag regimen may be preferred for those with early signs of severe liver injury or a large acetaminophen ingestion. Recommended Dosage for Acute Acetaminophen Ingestion ( 2.5 ): ACETADOTE is for intravenous administration only Total dosage of ACETADOTE is 300 mg/kg given intravenously as either: 3 separate doses infused over a total of 21 hours OR 2 separate doses infused over a total of 20 hours. See Full Prescribing Information for weight-based dosage and weight-based dilution ( 2.5 ) See Full Prescribing Information for recommendations for continuing ACETADOTE treatment after 21 hours ( 2.2 ). Repeated Supratherapeutic Acetaminophen Ingestion ( 2.6 ): Obtain acetaminophen concentration and other laboratory tests to guide treatment; revised Rumack-Matthew nomogram does not apply. 2.1 Pre-Treatment Assessment and Testing Following Acute Acetaminophen Ingestion Prior to initiating treatment with ACETADOTE, decide whether the three-bag or two-bag regimen will be used [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] . The following recommendations are related to acute acetaminophen ingestion. For recommendations related to repeated supratherapeutic exposure [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )] . Assess the history and timing of acetaminophen ingestion as an overdose. The reported history of the quantity of acetaminophen ingested as an overdose is often inaccurate and is not a reliable guide to therapy. Obtain the following laboratory tests to monitor hepatic and renal function and electrolyte and fluid balance: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin, international normalized ratio (INR), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood glucose, and electrolytes. Obtain a plasma or serum sample to assay for acetaminophen concentration at least 4 hours after ingestion. Acetaminophen concentrations obtained earlier than 4 hours post-ingestion may be misleading as they may not represent maximum acetaminophen concentrations. If the time of acute acetaminophen ingestion is unknown: Administer a loading dose of ACETADOTE immediately [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )]. Obtain an acetaminophen concentration to determine need for continued treatment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. If the acetaminophen concentration cannot be obtained (or is unavailable or uninterpretable) within the 8-hour time interval after acetaminophen ingestion or there is clinical evidence of acetaminophen toxicity: Administer a loading dose of ACETADOTE immediately and continue treatment for a total of two doses over 20 hours or three doses over 21 hours [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )]. If the patient presents more than 8 hours after ingestion and the time of acute acetaminophen ingestion is known: Administer a loading dose of ACETADOTE immediately [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] Obtain an acetaminophen concentration to determine need for continued treatment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. If the patient presents less than 8 hours after ingestion and the time of acute acetaminophen ingestion is known and the acetaminophen concentration is known: Use the revised Rumack-Matthew nomogram ( Figure 1 ) to determine whether or not to initiate treatment with ACETADOTE [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )].

Dosage forms and strengths

Injection: 6000 mg/30 mL (200 mg/mL) of acetylcysteine in a single-dose vial. Injection: 6000 mg/30 mL (200 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial ( 3 )

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ACETADOTE is contraindicated in patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to acetylcysteine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to acetylcysteine ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Fatal or life-threatening anaphylaxis, rash, hypotension, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or bronchospasm have been observed. Observe patients during and after the infusion; immediately discontinue infusion if a serious reaction occurs and initiate appropriate treatment. ACETADOTE infusion may be carefully restarted after treatment of hypersensitivity has been initiated and acute symptoms have resolved ( 5.1 ). Fluid Overload: Total volume administered should be reduced for patients weighing less than 40 kg and for those requiring fluid restriction ( 5.2 ). 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions; including fatal or life-threatening anaphylaxis, rash, hypotension, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath; have been observed in patients receiving intravenous acetylcysteine for acetaminophen overdose and occurred soon after initiation of the infusion [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . If a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately stop the infusion of ACETADOTE and initiate appropriate treatment. Patients with asthma should be closely monitored during initiation of ACETADOTE therapy and throughout ACETADOTE therapy. Acute flushing and erythema of the skin may occur in patients receiving acetylcysteine intravenously. These reactions usually occur 30 to 60 minutes after initiating the infusion and often resolve spontaneously despite continued infusion of acetylcysteine. If a reaction to acetylcysteine involves more than simply flushing and erythema of the skin, it should be treated as a hypersensitivity reaction. Management of less severe hypersensitivity reactions should be based upon the severity of the reaction and include temporary interruption of the infusion and/or administration of antihistaminic drugs. The ACETADOTE infusion may be carefully restarted after treatment of the hypersensitivity symptoms has been initiated and acute symptoms have resolved; however, if the hypersensitivity reaction returns upon re-initiation of treatment or increases in severity, ACETADOTE should be discontinued and alternative patient management should be considered. 5.2 Fluid Overload The total volume of ACETADOTE administered should be adjusted for patients less than 40 kg and for those requiring fluid restriction. Intravenous administration of ACETADOTE can cause fluid overload, potentially resulting in hyponatremia, seizure, and death. To avoid fluid overload, use the recommended dilutions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )].

Side effects

Most common adverse reactions (> 2%) are rash, urticaria/facial flushing and pruritus ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-877-484-2700 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Fluid Overload [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In the literature, the most frequently reported adverse reactions attributed to intravenous acetylcysteine administration were rash, urticaria and pruritus. The frequency of adverse reactions has been reported to be between 0.2% and 21%, and they most commonly occur during the initial loading dose of acetylcysteine. Loading Dose/Infusion Rate Study In a randomized, open-label, multi-center clinical study conducted in Australia in patients with acetaminophen poisoning, the rates of hypersensitivity reactions between a 15-minute and 60-minute intravenous infusion for the 150 mg/kg loading dose of acetylcysteine were compared. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions occurring within the first 2 hours following acetylcysteine administration is presented in Table 4 . Overall, 17% of patients developed an acute hypersensitivity reaction (18% in the 15-minute infusion group; 14% in the 60-minute infusion group) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Table 4. Incidence of Drug-Related Adverse Reactions Occurring Within the First 2 Hours Following Study Drug Administration by Preferred Term: Loading Dose/Infusion Rate Study Treatment Group 15-minutes 60-minutes Unkn= Unknown; NOS= not otherwise specified Number of Patients n=109 n=71 Cardiac disorders 5 (5%) 2 (3%) Severity: Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Tachycardia NOS 4 (4%) 1 (1%) 2 (3%) Gastrointestinal disorders 16 (15%) 7 (10%) Severity: Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Nausea 1 (1%) 6 (6%) 1 (1%) 1 (1%) Vomiting NOS 2 (2%) 11 (10%) 2 (3%) 4 (6%) Immune System Disorders 20 (18%) 10 (14%) Severity: Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Hypersensitivity reaction 2 (2%) 6 (6%) 11 (10%) 1 (1%) 4 (6%) 5 (7%) 1 (1%) Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 2 (2%) 2 (3%) Severity: Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Pharyngitis 1 (1%) Rhinorrhea 1 (1%) Rhonchi 1 (1%) Throat tightness 1 (1%) Skin & subcutaneous tissue disorders 6 (6%) 5 (7%) Severity: Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Pruritus 1 (1%) 2 (3%) Rash NOS 3 (3%) 2 (2%) 3 (4%) Vascular disorders 2 (2%) 3 (4%) Severity: Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Unkn Mild Moderate Severe Flushing 1 (1%) 1 (1%) 2 (3%) 1 (1%) Safety Study A large multi-center study was performed in Canada where data were collected from patients who were treated with intravenous acetylcysteine for acetaminophen overdose between 1980 and 2005. This study evaluated 4709 adult cases and 1905 pediatric cases. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in adult (overall incidence 8%) and pediatric (overall incidence 10%) patients is presented in Table 5 and Table 6 . Table 5. Distribution of reported hypersensitivity reactions in adult patients receiving intravenous acetylcysteine Reaction Incidence (%) n=4709 *Respiratory symptoms are defined as presence of any of the following: cough, wheezing, stridor, shortness of breath, chest tightness, respiratory distress, or bronchospasm. Urticaria/Facial Flushing 6.1% Pruritus 4.3% Respiratory Symptoms* 1.9% Edema 1.6% Hypotension 0.1% Anaphylaxis 0.1% Table 6. Distribution of reported hypersensitivity reactions in pediatric patients receiving intravenous acetylcysteine Reaction Incidence (%) n=1905 *Respiratory symptoms are defined as presence of any of the following: cough, wheezing, stridor, shortness of breath, chest tightness, respiratory distress, or bronchospasm. Urticaria/Facial Flushing 7.6% Pruritus 4.1% Respiratory Symptoms* 2.2% Edema 1.2% Anaphylaxis 0.2% Hypotension 0.1% 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Adverse Reactions from Observational Studies Observational studies from published literature have described rates of hypersensitivity reactions identified by retrospective chart review in subjects receiving the two-bag regimen after adoption of this regimen as institutional policy in three non-US settings and one US setting compared to a historical control group that received the three-bag regimen. Table 7 displays the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in patients who received two-bag or three-bag regimens of intravenous acetylcysteine admitted between 2009 to 2020. Table 7. Incidence of Hypersensitivity Reactions in Patients who Received Two-bag or Three-bag Regimens of Intravenous Acetylcysteine in Published Literature Study Hypersensitivity Reactions in Patients Receiving Two-Bag Regimen Hypersensitivity Reactions in Patients Receiving Three-Bag Regimen Study 1 (Three Danish hospitals) 4% (19/507) 16% (47/292) Study 2 (Four Australian hospitals) 5% (8/163) 14% (45/313) Study 3 (Nine Australian hospitals) 1% (17/1300) 7% (65/911) Study 4 (One US hospital) 19% (18/93) 23% (34/150) Adverse Reactions from Postmarketing Spontaneous Reports The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ACETADOTE. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Immune system disorders: fatal anaphylaxis

Use in specific populations

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited published case reports and case series of pregnant women exposed to acetylcysteine during various trimesters are not sufficient to inform any drug associated risk. Delaying treatment of acetaminophen overdose may increase the risk of maternal or fetal morbidity and mortality [see Clinical Considerations ]. Reproduction studies in rats and rabbits following oral administration of acetylcysteine during the period of organogenesis at doses similar to the total intravenous dose (based on the body surface area) did not cause any adverse effects to the fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Acetaminophen and acetylcysteine cross the placenta. Delaying treatment in pregnant women with acetaminophen overdose and potentially toxic acetaminophen plasma levels may increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Data Animal Data Reproduction studies have been performed following administration of acetylcysteine during the period of organogenesis 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 adverse developmental outcomes due to acetylcysteine were observed. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of acetylcysteine in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for ACETADOTE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ACETADOTE or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Based on the pharmacokinetic data, acetylcysteine should be nearly completely cleared 30 hours after administration. Breastfeeding women may consider pumping and discarding their milk for 30 hours after administration. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of ACETADOTE in pediatric patients have not been established by adequate and well-controlled studies. Use of ACETADOTE in pediatric patients 5 kg and greater is based on clinical practice [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )].

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited published case reports and case series of pregnant women exposed to acetylcysteine during various trimesters are not sufficient to inform any drug associated risk. Delaying treatment of acetaminophen overdose may increase the risk of maternal or fetal morbidity and mortality [see Clinical Considerations ]. Reproduction studies in rats and rabbits following oral administration of acetylcysteine during the period of organogenesis at doses similar to the total intravenous dose (based on the body surface area) did not cause any adverse effects to the fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Acetaminophen and acetylcysteine cross the placenta. Delaying treatment in pregnant women with acetaminophen overdose and potentially toxic acetaminophen plasma levels may increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Data Animal Data Reproduction studies have been performed following administration of acetylcysteine during the period of organogenesis 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 adverse developmental outcomes due to acetylcysteine were observed.

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of ACETADOTE in pediatric patients have not been established by adequate and well-controlled studies. Use of ACETADOTE in pediatric patients 5 kg and greater is based on clinical practice [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )].

Overdosage

Fatal and life-threatening adverse events have been reported following acetylcysteine overdosage, including anaphylaxis, cerebral edema, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Stop acetylcysteine administration in the setting of suspected acetylcysteine overdosage and manage as clinically indicated. Anaphylaxis, including cases with a fatal outcome, has been reported following acetylcysteine overdosage. Patients who experienced anaphylaxis following acetylcysteine overdosage often became symptomatic during the loading dose and experienced hypotension, rash, angioedema, bronchospasm, or respiratory distress. Cases of anaphylaxis with acetylcysteine overdosage also described coagulopathy, renal failure, or respiratory failure. Cerebral edema, including cases with a fatal outcome, has been reported following acetylcysteine overdosage. Patients who experienced cerebral edema following acetylcysteine overdose presented with altered mental status, abnormal pupillary responses, seizures. Some cases of cerebral edema with acetylcysteine overdosage described brain herniation. HUS has been reported following acetylcysteine overdosage. Patients who experienced HUS presented with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Removal of acetylcysteine via hemodialysis has been reported in the literature outside of the context of acetylcysteine overdosage. Studies of hemodialysis in acetaminophen overdose report significant extracorporeal removal of acetylcysteine during hemodialysis. Contact the Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) for overdosage management recommendations for ACETADOTE including considerations for hemodialysis.

Description

Acetylcysteine injection is an intravenous antidote for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose. Acetylcysteine is the nonproprietary name for the N-acetyl derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid, L-cysteine (N-acetyl-L-cysteine,). The compound is a white crystalline powder, which melts in the range of 104° to 110°C and has a very slight odor. The molecular formula of the compound is C 5 H 9 NO 3 S, and its molecular weight is 163.2. Acetylcysteine has the following structural formula: ACETADOTE is supplied as a sterile solution in vials containing 20% w/v (200 mg/mL) acetylcysteine. The pH of the solution ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. ACETADOTE contains the following inactive ingredients: sodium hydroxide (used for pH adjustment), and Water for Injection, USP. The amount of sodium in ACETADOTE is approximately 30 mg/mL. Because ACETADOTE is administered based on a patient's weight, the amount of sodium administered in a course of treatment will vary from approximately 225 mg to 4500 mg. The use of ½ normal saline will contribute approximately an additional 1770 mg of sodium per liter of diluent. Structural Formula

Mechanism of action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Acetylcysteine has been shown to reduce the extent of liver injury following acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen doses of 150 mg/kg or greater have been associated with hepatotoxicity. Acetylcysteine probably protects the liver by maintaining or restoring the glutathione levels, or by acting as an alternate substrate for conjugation with, and thus detoxification of, the reactive metabolite of acetaminophen.

How supplied

(acetylcysteine) injection is available as a 20% solution (200 mg/mL) in 30 mL single-dose glass vials. Each single dose vial contains 6 g/30 mL (200 mg/mL) of ACETADOTE injection. ACETADOTE is sterile and can be used for intravenous administration. It is available as follows: 30 mL vials, carton of 4 (NDC 66220-207-30) Do not use previously opened vials for intravenous administration. Note: The color of ACETADOTE may turn from essentially colorless to a slight pink or purple once the stopper is punctured. The color change does not affect the quality of the product. The stopper in the ACETADOTE vial is formulated with a synthetic base-polymer and does not contain natural rubber latex, dry natural rubber, or blends of natural rubber. Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]

Storage

2.3 Preparation and Storage of ACETADOTE Diluted Solution Prior to Administration Refer to Table 2 and Table 3 to calculate the dose (mg) based on the patient's weight in kg; multiple vials of ACETADOTE may be required [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . Discard any unused portion left in the vial. Because ACETADOTE is hyperosmolar (2,600 mOsmol/L), ACETADOTE must be diluted in the recommended volume of sterile water for injection, 0.45% sodium chloride injection (1/2 normal saline), or 5% dextrose in water prior to intravenous administration. The total injection volume will vary based on the patient's weight and chosen dosage regimen (i.e., three-bag or two-bag) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . The choice of diluent should be based on the individual patient's clinical status, concurrent medical conditions, and institutional protocols. The treating clinician should assess each case individually and consult with their pharmacy if there are any concerns about the appropriate diluent choice. In general, 0.45% normal saline is the preferred diluent because it provides a more consistent osmolarity profile, reduces the amount of free water delivered to the patient, and better approximates physiologic fluids than 5% dextrose in water or sterile water for injection. However, consider 5% dextrose in water or sterile water for injection if sodium load is a concern for the patient. Dilution of ACETADOTE in each of these three solutions results in different osmolarity of the acetylcysteine solution for intravenous administration (see Table 1 for examples of different osmolarity of the solution depending on the type of solution and the ACETADOTE concentration). Table 1. Examples of Acetylcysteine Concentration and Osmolarity in Three Solutions * Adjust osmolarity to a physiologically safe level (generally not less than 150 mOsmol/L in pediatric patients). Acetylcysteine Concentration Osmolarity Sterile Water for Injection 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) 4 mg/mL (lowest concentration 3-bag protocol) 52 mOsmol/L* 194 mOsmol/L 311 mOsmol/L 54.5 mg/mL (highest concentration 3-bag protocol) 744 mOsmol/L 855 mOsmol/L 957 mOsmol/L 7.9 mg/mL (lowest concentration 2-bag protocol) 105 mOsmol/L 241 mOsmol/L 360 mOsmol/L 18.2 mg/mL (highest concentration 2-bag protocol) 239 mOsmol/L 368 mOsmol/L 487 mOsmol/L The choice of diluent should be based on the individual patient's clinical status, concurrent medical conditions, and institutional protocols. The treating clinician should assess each case individually and consult with their pharmacy if there are any concerns about the appropriate diluent choice. In general, 0.45% normal saline is the preferred diluent, as it provides a more consistent osmolarity profile, reduces the amount of free water delivered to the patient, and better approximates physiologic fluids than 5% dextrose in water or sterile water for injection. Visually inspect for particular matter and discoloration prior to administration. The color of the diluted solution ranges from colorless to a slight pink or purple once the stopper is punctured (the color change does not affect the quality of the product). The diluted solution can be stored for 24 hours at room temperature. Discard the unused portion. If a vial was previously opened, do not use for intravenous administration.

Patient information

Hypersensitivity Reactions Advise patients and caregivers that hypersensitivity reactions related to administration and infusion may occur during and after ACETADOTE treatment, including hypotension, wheezing, shortness of breath and bronchospasm [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . For specific treatment information regarding the clinical management of acetaminophen overdose, please contact your regional poison center at 1-800-222-1222, or alternatively, a special health professional assistance line for acetaminophen overdose at 1-800-525-6115. Manufactured for: Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. Nashville, TN 37203 U.S. Patent Nos. 8,148,356, 8,399,445, 8,653,061 8,722,738 and 9,327,028

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (revised Apr 30, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Acetadote NDC products (1)

NDCStrength & formLabelerType
66220-207Acetylcysteine 200 mg/mL
Injection, Solution
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.NDA

Frequently asked questions

What is Acetadote used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ACETADOTE is indicated to prevent or lessen hepatic injury after ingestion of a potentially hepatotoxic quantity of acetaminophen in adults and pediatric patients who weigh 5 kg or greater with acute ingestion or from repeated supratherapeutic ingestion (RSI). ACETADOTE is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose indicated to prevent or lessen hepatic injury after ingestion…

What are the side effects of Acetadote?

Most common adverse reactions (> 2%) are rash, urticaria/facial flushing and pruritus ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-877-484-2700 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see… See the full label for the complete list.

Who makes Acetadote?

Acetadote is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc..