Drug Name:N-Acetylcysteine
Drug Class:Mucolytic agent, Antidote
Mechanism of Action:
  • Restores glutathione levels in the body
  • Breaks down disulfide bonds in mucus, making it less viscous and easier to clear
  • Acts as a precursor to glutathione, a potent antioxidant
Use:
  • Treats acetaminophen overdose
  • Treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Treats cystic fibrosis
  • Treats acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • Treats contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN)
  • Treats liver disease
Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Bronchospasm
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to N-acetylcysteine
  • Asthma
Specialty:
  • Pulmonology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Hepatology