Praktické lekárnictvo 3-4/2015

A role of N-acetylcysteine at present practice

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the acetylated form of the amino acid L-cysteine and is used as the specific antidote for paracetamol overdose. Other applications include treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract connected with production of viscous phlegm and cough difficulties as well as the prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, prevention of contrast-induced kidney damage during imaging procedures and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, treatment of infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Preliminary studies suggest that N-acetylcysteine may also have a role as a cancer chemopreventive, an adjunct in the eradication of H. pylori, and prophylaxis of gentamicin-induced hearing loss in patients on renal dialysis.

Keywords: N-acetylcysteine, mechanisms of action, clinical indications.