ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/acetylcysteine
US brand names:Mucomyst, ACC
Acetylcysteine is dosed at 50 mg/ml nebulized Nebulization q12h in bearded dragons, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Breaks disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins reducing viscosity (mucolytic). Also a glutathione precursor providing hepatoprotection (acetaminophen antidote).
Dual role: mucolytic (nebulized/oral) and acetaminophen antidote (IV/oral). Bronchospasm possible with nebulization — pretreat with bronchodilator. Foul smell.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 6 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 140 mg/kg | IV loading, then 70 mg/kg q4h x 17 doses | Strong | Papich, Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th ed. (2016), Acetylcysteine monograph, printed p. 8 (corpus papich p. 36), Small Animal Dosage / Dogs and Cats: 'Antidote: 140 mg/kg (loading dose), then 70 mg/kg q4h IV or PO for 5 doses.' |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 140 mg/kg | IV loading, then 70 mg/kg q4h | Strong | Papich, Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th ed. (2016), Acetylcysteine monograph, printed p. 8 (corpus papich p. 36), Small Animal Dosage / Dogs and Cats: 'Antidote: 140 mg/kg (loading dose), then 70 mg/kg q4h IV or PO for 5 doses.' |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.