Research synthesisLow evidenceMixed effect size4 studies · 2 beneficial · 2 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 4 studies, 2 reported beneficial moderate-to-large effects on platelet recovery in critically ill adults receiving linezolid and in myeloid malignancy patients undergoing stem cell transplant, while 2 studies found neutral effects in patients with immune thrombocytopenia or TTP. The most studied dose was approximately 1200 mg/day in divided doses (e.g., 600 mg every 12 h). Median study duration was 365 days, but only one study reported this.
- Effective dose range: 1200 mg/day (e.g., 600 mg twice daily or 400 mg three times daily)
- Studied populations: Critically ill adults receiving linezolid and patients with myeloid malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) and findings are mixed, with two neutral studies. The beneficial effects were observed in specific clinical settings and may not generalize to other populations. None of the studies reported the form of NAC used, limiting form-specific conclusions. The only study with reported duration (365 days) was neutral and small (n=15).
Generated Jun 12, 2026