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N Acetylcysteine A
N-acetylcysteine replenishes intracellular glutathione and acts as a mucolytic agent to reduce mucus viscosity and support antioxidant defenses.
N-acetylcysteine replenishes intracellular glutathione and acts as a mucolytic agent to reduce mucus viscosity and support antioxidant defenses. Used for Chronic bronchitis with thick secretions, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose, Cystic fibrosis.
At a glance
| Generic name | N Acetylcysteine A |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Department of Medical Services Ministry of Public Health of Thailand |
| Drug class | Mucolytic agent / Antioxidant |
| Target | Glutathione synthesis pathway; mucus disulfide bonds |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory; Toxicology; General supportive care |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a prodrug that is rapidly deacetylated to cysteine, which serves as a precursor for glutathione synthesis, the body's primary intracellular antioxidant. Additionally, NAC directly breaks disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, reducing mucus viscosity and improving clearance. These dual mechanisms make it useful in conditions characterized by oxidative stress, thick secretions, or acetaminophen toxicity.
Approved indications
- Chronic bronchitis with thick secretions
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Bronchospasm (rare, in susceptible patients)
Key clinical trials
- Effects of NAC on Symptoms of CHR Patients (NA)
- Individualized Multiplex Pathophysiological Treatment of Severe Acute Infections: N-Acetylcysteine (PHASE4)
- A Study to Explore if Long-term Use of Mucinex Can Help With Symptoms in Patients With Stable Chronic Bronchitis. (PHASE4)
- N-Acetylcysteine for Smoking Cessation in Tobacco and Cannabis Co-Use (PHASE4)
- A Clinical Trial Via Telepsychiatry of Treatments for the Management of Emotional Dysregulation in Youth (PHASE4)
- Povidone-Iodine Nasal Irrigation After Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis (NA)
- Neuroprotection With N-acetyl Cysteine for Patients With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE2)
- Effect of NAC on Preventing Chemo-Related Cognitive Impairments in Ovarian Ca Pts Treated W/ PBT (PHASE1, 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 |
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