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IV N-acetylcysteine
IV N-acetylcysteine replenishes intracellular glutathione and acts as a free radical scavenger to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
IV N-acetylcysteine replenishes intracellular glutathione and acts as a free radical scavenger to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Used for Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose, Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations.
At a glance
| Generic name | IV N-acetylcysteine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | NAC |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina |
| Drug class | Antioxidant / Mucolytic agent |
| Target | Glutathione synthesis pathway; free radical scavenger |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Critical Care / Toxicology / Respiratory |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a prodrug that is rapidly deacetylated to cysteine, which serves as a precursor for glutathione synthesis. By increasing intracellular glutathione levels, NAC enhances antioxidant capacity and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, NAC directly scavenges free radicals and modulates inflammatory pathways, making it useful in conditions characterized by oxidative stress and tissue damage.
Approved indications
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Rash
- Anaphylactoid reactions
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy and Safety of N-Acetylcysteine Versus Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Protective Effect of N-acetylcysteine on Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer (NA)
- Imaging Acetadote Metabolism in Glioblastoma (EARLY_PHASE1)
- N- Acetylcysteine in Airway Clearance in Broncheictasis (NA)
- Physiological Effects of Nutritional Support in Patients With Parkinson's Disease (NA)
- A Study of N-acetylcysteine in Patients With COVID-19 Infection (PHASE2)
- Evaluation of the Role of N Acetyl Cysteine and Vitamin D in Improving Outcomes After Corrosive Ingestion (PHASE3)
- Prevention of Serious Adverse Events Following Angiography (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- IV N-acetylcysteine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- IV N-acetylcysteine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Medical University of South Carolina portfolio CI