Acetylcysteine

chemical compound

Acetylcysteine, also known as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or Acetadone, is a medication. It is used to treat paracetamol overdose and to loosen thick mucus when someone has pneumonia or bronchitis or other (similar) chronic bronchopulmonary disorders.[1] It has been used to treat lactobezoar in infants. It can be taken intravenously, by mouth, or inhaled as a mist.[1] Some people use it as a dietary supplement.[2][3]

Chemistry change

Acetylcysteine is the N-acetyl derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine. It is a precursor, when the human body makes the antioxidant glutathione.

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Acetylcysteine". The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  2. Talbott SM (2012). A Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements. Routledge. p. 469. ISBN 9781136805707. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017.
  3. "Cysteine". University of Maryland Medical Center. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 23 June 2017.

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