What type of antidote is N-acetylcysteine?

What type of antidote is N-acetylcysteine?

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a GSH precursor, is the only currently approved antidote for an acetaminophen overdose. Unfortunately, fairly high doses and longer treatment times are required due to its poor bioavailability. In addition, oral and I.V. administration of NAC in a hospital setting are laborious and costly.

Is N-acetylcysteine the same as mucomyst?

Acetylcysteine is available under the following different brand names: N-acetylcysteine, and Mucomyst.

Can you overdose on NAC?

An excessive dosage of NAC over a short period of time can lead to hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure in patients with normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and finally to death.

Why is N-acetylcysteine used to treat paracetamol overdose?

N-Acetylcysteine is the drug of choice for the treatment of an acetaminophen overdose. It is thought to provide cysteine for glutathione synthesis and possibly to form an adduct directly with the toxic metabolite of acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine.

Is NAC safe to take daily?

There is no recommended daily allowance for NAC, because unlike vitamins, it’s not an essential nutrient. The dosage used to prevent radio contrast dye damage is 600 mg to 1200 mg every 12 hours for 48 hours.

Who should not take NAC?

When inhaled, it can cause swelling in the mouth, runny nose, drowsiness and chest tightness. People with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinning medications should not take NAC, as it may slow blood clotting ( 48 ). NAC has an unpleasant smell that makes it hard to consume.

What is NAC for overdose?

Intravenous NAC is the antidote to treat paracetamol overdose and is virtually 100% effective in preventing liver damage when given within 8 hours of the overdose. After this time efficacy falls substantially, affording only a very limited window of time in which to successfully prevent serious hepatotoxicity.

Can I take NAC everyday?

What do you need to know about mucomyst acetylcysteine?

Mucomyst Description Mucomyst brand of acetylcysteine is for inhalation (mucolytic agent) or oral administration (acetaminophen antidote), and available as sterile, unpreserved solutions (not for injection). The solutions contain 20% (Mucomyst-20) or 10% (Mucomyst-10) acetylcysteine, with edetate disodium in purified water.

When was acetylcysteine introduced as an antidote to acetaminophen?

In January 1985, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the oral administration of acetylcysteine (N-acetylcys- teine, NAC) as an antidote for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose.

What is the mechanism of action of N acetylcysteine ( NAC )?

NAC also enhances sulfate conjugation of unmetabolized APAP, functions as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and has positive inotropic effects. In addition, NAC increases local nitric oxide concentrations and promotes microcirculatory blood flow, enhancing local oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues.

Which is the best brand of acetylcysteine for inhalation?

Mucomyst brand of acetylcysteine is for inhalation (mucolytic agent) or oral administration (acetaminophen antidote), and available as sterile, unpreserved solutions (not for injection). The solutions contain 20% (Mucomyst-20) or 10% (Mucomyst-10) acetylcysteine, with edetate disodium in purified water. Sodium hydroxide is added to adjust pH to 7.