acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine is a medication with multiple clinical applications. It serves as the specific antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose by preventing or lessening liver damage. It also functions as a mucolytic agent that helps break down mucus in respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis and COPD. Acetylcysteine works through several mechanisms: as an antidote, it directly conjugates with the toxic acetaminophen metabolite NAPQI or provides cysteine for glutathione production; as a mucolytic, it breaks disulfide bonds in mucin, making it less viscous. It's available in various formulations including oral, intravenous, and inhalation forms.

Brand names

AcetadoteNACN-A-C Sustain

Other names

N-acetylcysteineN-acetyl-L-cysteineNAC