Alcysta Tablet 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. 

Alcysta Tablet 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 Alcysta Tablet  works by protecting the kidneys from damage by harmful chemicals (free radicals).

It would be best if you took Alcysta Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Alcysta Tablet 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 Alcysta Tablet 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 Alcysta Tablet , 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.

Alcysta Tablet 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, Alcysta Tablet can effectively treat and slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Vomiting (being sick)
• Rash

Alcysta Tablet should be used with caution in patients with decreased lung function (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and stomach ulcers. Alcysta Tablet 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-drug interactions: Alcysta Tablet 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: Alcysta Tablet should be used with caution in patients with asthma, stomach ulcers, liver disease, kidney disease, and allergic to histamines.

• ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
• GENTAMICIN
• STREPTOMYCIN
• TOBRAMYCIN
• AMIKACIN
• PENICILLIN
• TETRACYCLINE
• GLYCERYL TRINITRATE

• 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.).

Alcysta Tablet 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.

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.