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N-acetylcystein
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) replenishes intracellular glutathione and acts as a free radical scavenger to reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) replenishes intracellular glutathione and acts as a free radical scavenger to reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage. Used for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with chronic bronchitis, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose and toxicity, Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
At a glance
| Generic name | N-acetylcystein |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Fluimucil (Zambon, Italy), ACC (Hexal AG), Acemuc (Betapharm, Germany), Acetyst (Ristert, Germany), Acetadote (Cumberland Pharmaceuticals) |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris |
| Drug class | Antioxidant; mucolytic agent |
| Target | Glutathione synthesis pathway; free radicals; mucus proteins |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory; Toxicology; General supportive care |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
NAC is a prodrug that is rapidly deacetylated to cysteine, which serves as a precursor for glutathione synthesis—the body's primary intracellular antioxidant. By restoring glutathione levels and directly scavenging reactive oxygen species, NAC protects cells from oxidative injury and supports detoxification pathways. It also has mucolytic properties that help break down mucus viscosity.
Approved indications
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with chronic bronchitis
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose and toxicity
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Cystic fibrosis
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Rash or urticaria
- Fever
Key clinical trials
- Plasma Exchange for Amanita Toxin-induced Acute Liver Failure
- Evaluation of the Effect of N-acetylcysteine in Preventing Cisplatin-Induced Toxicities in Cancer Patients (PHASE2)
- NAC Effect on Iron Overload and Blood Transfusion in β-thalassemia Major (PHASE1)
- RenalGuard System and Contrast Media (PHASE3)
- Hypertrophic Regression With N-Acetylcysteine in HCM (PHASE1)
- Clinical Trial of N-acetylcysteine Versus Placebo Efficacy in the Cannabis Withdrawal (PHASE2)
- Use of Mucolytic Solution Before Upper Endoscopy (NA)
- PET/MRI Imaging of Glutamate Release in the Brain (PHASE2)
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 |