Acetylcysteine

There are a wide range of claims for N-Acetylcysteine (NAC). There is some support for claims that NAC is hepatoprotective, that it is of benefit in some individuals with early adult respiratory distress syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and that it may help protect against cardiovascular disease. N-Acetylcysteine may have some usefulness in the treatment of diabetes, some immune disorders, and some cancers. A study that took place recently suggests that NAC may have some favorable impact on memory loss that is age related. NAC's benefit in reversing tolerance to nitrates in patients with coronary artery disease is divisive.

Nursing mothers should avoid supplemental N-Acetylcysteine and should only be used by pregnant women if prescribed by a physician. N-Acetylcysteine clearance is reduced in individuals with chronic liver disease as well as in pre-term newborns. NAC may be harmful if it is administered early in the treatment of critically ill patients. NAC may intensify headaches in those taking nitrates to treatment angina. Although the incidence of cystine renal stones is low, they do occur. Those who do form renal stones should avoid NAC supplements. NAC and its sulfhydryl metabolites could produce a false-positive result in the nitroprusside test for ketone bodies used in diabetes. N-Acetylcysteine should be used with caution in those with a history of peptic ulcer disease, since mucolytic agents may disrupt the gastric mucosal barrier. Adverse reactions reported with oral NAC include diarrhea, headache (especially when used along with nitrates), nausea, rashes, and vomiting. There are rare reports of renal stone formation. Adverse reactions reported with intravenous NAC include bronchospasm, chills, fever, headache, nausea, rashes, rhinorrhea, stomatitis, tinnitus, urticaria, and vomiting. There are also some rare reports of anaphylactic reactions. Common symptoms of those experiencing anaphylactoid reactions are angioedema, bronchospasm, ECG change, flushing, hypertension, hypotension, nausea, pruritis, rash, tachycardia, and vomiting. The anaphylactoid reactions are pseudo-allergic. Using supplemental NAC with nitrates can cause headaches. Using supplemental NAC with carbamazepine can cause reduced serum levels of carbamazepine. This website is intended to educate and inform, and should not replace discussions with your doctor.