Acetylcysteine

USDailyMed:Acetylcysteine AU:B2 R05CB01(WHO)S01XA08(WHO)V03AB23(WHO) AU:S4(Prescription only)and Schedule 2UK:POM(Prescription only)US:OTC & Rx (2R)-2-acetamido-3-sulfanylpropanoic acid 616-91-1 12035 DB06151 11540 WYQ7N0BPYC D00221 CHEBI:28939 ChEMBL600 DTXSID5020021 Interactive image C/C(=N/[C@@H](CS)C(=O)O)/O InChI=1S/C5H9NO3S/c1-3(7)6-4(2-10)5(8)9/h4,10H,2H2,1H3,(H,6,7)(H,8,9)/t4-/m0/s1Key:PWKSKIMOESPYIA-BYPYZUCNSA-N AcetylcysteineorN-acetylcysteine(NAC; not to be confused withN-acetylcarnosine, which is also abbreviated NAC) is amucolyticthat is used to treatparacetamol (acetaminophen) overdoseand to loosen thickmucusin individuals with chronic bronchopulmonary disorders, such aspneumoniaandbronchitis.It has been used to treatlactobezoarin infants.​‍​​​​​‍​‍‍‍‍​‍‍ It can be takenintravenously,orally(swallowed by mouth), orby inhalationby use of anebulizer.It is also sometimes used as adietary supplement. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting when taken orally.The skin may occasionally becomeredanditchywith any route of administration.A non-immune type ofanaphylaxismay also occur.It appears to be safe in pregnancy.For paracetamol overdose, it works by increasing the level ofglutathione, an antioxidant that can neutralize the toxic breakdown products of paracetamol.When inhaled, it acts as amucolyticby decreasing the thickness of mucus. Acetylcysteine was initially patented in 1960 and came into medical use in 1968.It is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.It is available as ageneric medication.