Taurine+acetylcysteine
About
Taurine+acetylcysteine belongs to the group of medications called ‘anti-diabetic’ used in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease). Diabetic nephropathy is kidney damage resulting from diabetes. It is a major cause of kidney failure. The kidney damage can be slowed down by controlling the blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
Taurine+acetylcysteine is a combination of two medicines: Taurine and Acetylcysteine. Taurine is an amino acid that has antioxidant properties. It can reduce further tissue damage in the kidneys. It can also reduce blood glucose levels. These effects help to control disease progression in diabetic kidney disease. Acetylcysteine is also an antioxidant and can reduce the production of free radicals that cause tissue damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Altogether Taurine+acetylcysteine works by protecting the kidneys from damage by harmful chemicals (free radicals).
It would be best if you took Taurine+acetylcysteine as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Taurine+acetylcysteine are nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), and rash. These side-effects are mild and temporary. However, consult your doctor immediately if any of these side-effects persist or get worsen.
Do not take Taurine+acetylcysteine if you are allergic to Taurine, Acetylcysteine, or any other contents present in it. It is not recommended for children under 14 years of age. Before taking Taurine+acetylcysteine, inform your doctor if you have asthma, stomach ulcers, liver, or kidney diseases, and allergic to histamine (in people who are intolerant to foods and drinks containing histamines such as tomatoes, processed foods, or wine). Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Taurine+acetylcysteine
Medicinal Benefits
Taurine+acetylcysteine is a combination of two medicines: Taurine and Acetylcysteine. Taurine is an amino acid that has antioxidant properties. It is present in large amounts in the brain, eye, heart, and blood. However, it is supplemented by people who cannot make it. It is used to reduce further tissue damage and control blood glucose levels in diabetic kidney disease patients. Acetylcysteine is also an antioxidant and can reduce the production of free radicals that cause tissue damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Together, Taurine+acetylcysteine can effectively treat and slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Taurine+acetylcysteine
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Taurine+acetylcysteine should be used with caution in patients with decreased lung function (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and stomach ulcers. Taurine+acetylcysteine increases the risk of Steven-Johnson syndrome and Lyell syndrome, characterized by severe skin rashes. So, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor immediately if you notice skin rashes, ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, or genitals, or conjunctivitis (pink eye), followed by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and body ache.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Taurine+acetylcysteine may interact with medications used to treat cough, a medicine used to treat poisonings (activated charcoal), aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and amikacin, etc.), other antibiotics (penicillin and tetracycline), and a medication used to treat angina (glyceryl trinitrate).
Drug-food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Taurine+acetylcysteine should be used with caution in patients with asthma, stomach ulcers, liver disease, kidney disease, and allergic to histamines.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol may worsen your health condition.
Pregnancy
cautionTaurine+acetylcysteine is a category B medicine. It should be used with caution in pregnant women. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe safe use of Taurine+acetylcysteine in breastfeeding mothers has not yet been established. So, it should be used in breastfeeding women only when prescribed by a doctor.
Driving
safe if prescribedTaurine+acetylcysteine may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionTaurine+acetylcysteine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionTaurine+acetylcysteine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeTaurine+acetylcysteine is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat at regular intervals. Do not take the long gap between a meal or snack.
- Monitor your blood sugar level and blood pressure regularly, especially when there are a lot of fluctuations.
- Lose weight gradually to achieve a healthy body mass index (18.5 to 24.9).
- Replace refined carbohydrates containing whole-grain foods and increase intake of fruits and veggies and other fibre-enriched foods.
- Reduce intake of saturated fat (or hidden fats) in food like chips, crisps, pastries, biscuits, and samosas. Choose omega 3 fatty acid-containing oils for daily cooking. You may use palm oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, rice bran oil, and safflower oil for frying.
- Do not take stress as it may elevate your blood sugar level. You may adopt stress management techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to control stress-related blood sugar changes.
- Opt for low-fat dairy products (low-fat yoghurt, fat-free milk, and cheese, etc.).
Special Advise
Taurine+acetylcysteine may alter blood results when the test for salicylic acid (aspirin) is performed. It may also alter results when tested for the presence of ketones in the urine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetic nephropathy: Diabetic nephropathy is a condition in which there is a progression of kidney damage due to diabetes. A high level of blood sugar causes the kidney to filter too much blood. This continuous overwork can cause the kidneys to lose their ability to filter, leading to nephropathy. Symptoms are seen in later stages and include swelling of the face, hands, feet, difficulty sleeping, nausea, loss of appetite, itching or dry skin, drowsiness, and weakness. It can be prevented by controlling blood glucose levels or keeping blood glucose levels in the normal range.
FAQs
Taurine+acetylcysteine is a combination of two medicines: Taurine and Acetylcysteine. They both act as antioxidants that can reduce cell death and delay kidney damage progression in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Taurine+acetylcysteine may cause severe skin reactions rarely, though everybody taking this medicine may not experience skin reactions. However, if you notice a skin rash, including lesions of nose, throat, mouth, genitals, or eyes, stop taking Taurine+acetylcysteine and consult a doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Taurine+acetylcysteine with antibiotics such as tetracycline, amoxicillin, amikacin, streptomycin, and gentamicin simultaneously as it may reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. Please consult a doctor before using Taurine+acetylcysteine with antibiotics or any other medicines.
Taurine+acetylcysteine should be used with caution in patients with asthma as this medicine may cause wheezing and trouble breathing. So, inform your doctor that you have asthma before taking Taurine+acetylcysteine.
Diabetic kidney disease can be prevented by controlling blood glucose levels. So, follow your doctor's advice regarding diet and medicines to achieve optimal glucose levels.
