Is Mucomyst Still Available? The Current Status of Acetylcysteine

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

While the brand name Mucomyst was officially discontinued in the U.S., its active ingredient remains widely available for medical use. If you're asking 'Is Mucomyst still available?', the answer lies with its generic equivalent, acetylcysteine, and several other manufacturers who continue to produce the medication for prescription use.

Quick Summary

The brand name Mucomyst is no longer manufactured in the U.S., but its generic equivalent, acetylcysteine, continues to be available by prescription for respiratory conditions and acetaminophen overdose.

Key Points

Mucomyst brand discontinued: The original brand-name medication Mucomyst has been discontinued in the United States.
Generic equivalent available: The active ingredient, acetylcysteine, is still available and widely produced by multiple manufacturers as a generic prescription medication.
Uses remain the same: Prescription acetylcysteine is used as a mucolytic for respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose.
Generic drugs are equivalent: Generic versions contain the same active ingredients, and meet the same quality, strength, and purity standards as the discontinued brand-name product.
Distinguish from supplements: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is also sold as an over-the-counter dietary supplement, but these are not the same as the prescription formulations used for medical treatment.
Consult a healthcare provider: Patients should speak with their doctor or pharmacist to receive the generic prescription for acetylcysteine.

The Discontinuation of the Mucomyst Brand

The brand name Mucomyst, once a common treatment for respiratory ailments, has been officially discontinued in the United States. For patients and caregivers familiar with the brand, this change can raise concerns about the availability of their medication. The manufacturer of Mucomyst ceased production of the brand-name product, but this does not mean the medication itself is no longer available. The key is understanding that the brand name is separate from the active ingredient, which is acetylcysteine. The discontinuation is a change in branding, not a removal of the medication from the market.

Why Did the Mucomyst Brand Stop Production?

Specific reasons for the discontinuation of a brand-name drug can vary, ranging from market strategy to shifting pharmaceutical priorities. While the Mucomyst brand name is no longer offered, the generic market has continued to provide the same medicine. This is a common occurrence in the pharmaceutical industry, where generic versions of a drug become the primary source once the patent on the brand-name version expires.

The Widespread Availability of Generic Acetylcysteine

Though Mucomyst is no longer on the market, its generic equivalent, acetylcysteine, is still widely available with a prescription from a doctor. This generic form is produced by several different manufacturers and is approved by the FDA, ensuring it meets the same standards of quality, strength, and purity as the original brand-name product. For patients, this means that while the name and packaging have changed, the medication itself has not.

Where to Find Generic Acetylcysteine

Prescription acetylcysteine solution for inhalation is available from various pharmaceutical companies. A list of available products can often be found on pharmacy websites and official drug shortage information pages, such as those maintained by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Some of the manufacturers of generic acetylcysteine include:

American Regent
Fresenius Kabi
Pfizer
Sagent
Somerset

Acetylcysteine: Uses and Applications

Acetylcysteine, the active ingredient in what was formerly known as Mucomyst, is a mucolytic agent. It works by thinning and breaking down thick, sticky mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways.

Common medical uses for prescription acetylcysteine include:

Respiratory Conditions: Assisting in the management of conditions like cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia, where excessive mucus production is a problem.
Acetaminophen Overdose: Serving as an antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, especially in hospital settings.
Diagnostic Bronchograms: Used to prepare the lungs for certain diagnostic procedures.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Availability

In addition to the prescription forms, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is also available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. These supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications and are often marketed for their antioxidant and liver-support properties. It is crucial to understand that OTC supplements are not interchangeable with the prescription inhalation or intravenous formulations used for serious medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider before using any medication or supplement.

Comparison of Acetylcysteine Product Types


Feature	Brand-Name Mucomyst	Generic Acetylcysteine	OTC NAC Supplements
Availability	Discontinued in the U.S.	Widely available via prescription.	Widely available online and in stores.
Active Ingredient	Acetylcysteine	Acetylcysteine	N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Formulation	Inhalation solution (nebulizer).	Inhalation, oral, and IV solutions.	Capsules, tablets, powders.
Prescription Status	Was prescription-only.	Prescription-only.	No prescription required for supplements.
Primary Use	Mucolytic for respiratory issues, acetaminophen antidote.	Mucolytic, acetaminophen antidote.	Antioxidant support, liver health, etc. (non-FDA approved claims).
FDA Regulation	Approved at time of use.	FDA-approved equivalent.	Not FDA-regulated for these uses.

Conclusion: The Legacy of a Name

Although the brand name Mucomyst is no longer available in the U.S., the medication itself, acetylcysteine, is still produced and readily accessible to patients who need it. The transition to generic versions is a standard practice in the pharmaceutical world, ensuring that effective, proven treatments remain available and often at a lower cost. Patients should consult with their doctor or pharmacist to ensure they receive the appropriate generic prescription. The drug's therapeutic value as a mucolytic and acetaminophen antidote is unchanged, securing its place in modern medicine, even if under a different name.

For more detailed information on acetylcysteine, you can visit the official MedlinePlus drug information page.(https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615021.html)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the active ingredient acetylcysteine is still widely used in medicine. While the Mucomyst brand name was discontinued in the U.S., the generic form is still available by prescription.

The generic equivalent of Mucomyst is acetylcysteine. It contains the same active ingredients and is manufactured by several companies.

Generic acetylcysteine is available with a prescription from your doctor and can be filled at most major pharmacies. Manufacturers like Fresenius Kabi and Pfizer produce it.

No, generic acetylcysteine must meet the same FDA standards for quality, strength, and purity as the original brand-name Mucomyst. The active ingredient and its function are identical.

Prescription acetylcysteine is used primarily as a mucolytic agent to thin mucus in respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and emphysema. It is also a critical antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is the same compound as acetylcysteine, but it is available in different forms. Mucomyst was the brand name for the prescription inhalation solution, while NAC is also sold as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. The supplement is not a substitute for the prescription medication.

You will need a prescription from your doctor to receive the generic form of acetylcysteine, but it is the same medication you were previously receiving under the brand name Mucomyst.