N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a versatile compound derived from the amino acid L-cysteine. It has several therapeutic uses due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic properties:

1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning: NAC is FDA-approved and widely used to treat acetaminophen overdose. It works by binding harmful forms of acetaminophen in the liver, preventing severe liver damage¹.
2. Respiratory Conditions: NAC acts as a mucolytic agent, helping to break down and clear mucus. It is used in conditions like chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and in tracheostomy care².
3. Antioxidant: NAC enhances the levels of glutathione, a critical antioxidant in the body, which helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation³.
4. Inflammatory Conditions: By reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interleukins, NAC can aid in managing inflammation-associated conditions⁴.
5. Psychiatric Disorders: NAC has been explored for its potential benefits in psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Though clinical results are mixed, it may have benefits as an adjunct treatment⁵.

Additionally, NAC is studied for its potential applications in a variety of other conditions, including reducing the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even supporting mental health through its antioxidant properties⁶.

Footnotes

1. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): MedlinePlus Supplements ↩

2. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on Human Health ↩

3. Examine.com on N-Acetylcysteine ↩

4. N-Acetylcysteine: A Review of Clinical Usefulness ↩

5. The Potential of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders ↩

6. N-Acetylcysteine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf ↩