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n-acetylcystine + albuterol
N-acetylcysteine reduces mucus viscosity by breaking disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, while albuterol bronchodilates airways via beta-2 adrenergic stimulation, together improving airway clearance and breathing.
N-acetylcysteine reduces mucus viscosity by breaking disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, while albuterol bronchodilates airways via beta-2 adrenergic stimulation, together improving airway clearance and breathing. Used for Cystic fibrosis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with excessive mucus production, Bronchiectasis.
At a glance
| Generic name | n-acetylcystine + albuterol |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mucomyst, NAC, n-acetylcystine |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco |
| Drug class | Mucolytic + bronchodilator combination |
| Target | Beta-2 adrenergic receptor (albuterol); disulfide bonds in mucoproteins (N-acetylcysteine) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
N-acetylcysteine acts as a mucolytic agent that cleaves mucus glycoproteins, reducing sputum thickness and improving clearance. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, dilating airways. The combination enhances both mucus mobilization and airway patency, facilitating expectoration and gas exchange.
Approved indications
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with excessive mucus production
- Bronchiectasis
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Tachycardia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Bronchospasm (paradoxical)
Key clinical trials
- The Effect of NAC on Lung Function and CT Mucus Score (PHASE4)
- The Effects of Positive Airway Pressure on the Mucolytic Effects of NAC (TEAM) (PHASE4)
- N-Acetyl-cysteine in Early Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (EARLY_PHASE1)
- A Practical RCT of TCM in the Treatment of LCOVID and Analysis of Syndrome Types and Medication Characteristics. (PHASE2)
- Inpatient Clinical Trial of NAC (PHASE4)
- Effectiveness of Routine Nebulization of Mucolytics and Bronchodilators During Mechanical Ventilation (NA)
- Evaluation of Aerosolized Drugs Deposition During Mechanical Ventilation (NA)
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:
- n-acetylcystine + albuterol CI brief — competitive landscape report
- n-acetylcystine + albuterol updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of California, San Francisco portfolio CI