Description

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Acetylcysteine serves as a prodrug to L-cysteine.Acetylcysteine is the N-acetyl derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, and is a precursor in the formation of the antioxidant glutathione in the body. The thiol (sulfhydryl) group confers antioxidant effects and is able to reduce free radicals.

By regulating glutamate levels in your brain, NAC may alleviate symptoms of multiple psychiatric disorders and reduce addictive behavior.

Inhaled acetylcysteine has been used for mucolytic (“mucus-dissolving”) therapy in addition to other therapies in respiratory conditions with excessive and/or thick mucus production. It is also used post-operatively, as a diagnostic aid, and in tracheotomy care. It may be considered ineffective in cystic fibrosis.People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience long-term oxidative damage and inflammation of lung tissue, which causes airways to constrict — leading to shortness of breath and coughing.In a one-year study, 600 mg of NAC twice a day significantly improved lung function and symptoms in those with stable COPD.In addition to relieving COPD and bronchitis, NAC may improve other lung and respiratory tract conditions like cystic fibrosis, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion due to allergies or infections.

NAC’s ability to replenish glutathione and regulate brain glutamate levels can boost brain health.NAC has the potential to treat diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Acetylcysteine has been used for cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis, although mesna is generally preferred due to the ability of acetylcysteine to diminish the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide.

NAC’s ability to boost glutathione levels may improve immune function in a variety of diseases.

Dosage:

NAC has low bioavailability as an oral supplement, meaning that it’s not well absorbed. The accepted daily supplement recommendation is 600–1,800 mg of NAC can help prevent side effects of drugs and environmental toxins.

 

• For preventing sudden worsening of chronic bronchitis: doses of 200 mg twice daily, 200 mg three times daily, 300 mg slow-release twice daily, and 600 mg controlled-release twice daily have been used.
• For treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): 600 mg of N-acetyl cysteine once daily, in addition to standard care, has been used for up to 6 months.
• For preventing damage to the bladder due to treatment with a cancer drug called ifosfamide: 1 to 2 grams of N-acetyl cysteine every 6 hours.
• For reducing levels of homocysteine in the blood: 1.2 grams of N-acetyl cysteine daily.
• For myoclonus epilepsy: 4-6 grams daily.
• For reducing flu symptoms: 600 mg twice daily.
• For reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with end-stage kidney disease: 600 mg twice daily.
• For skin wounds due to hemodialysis treatment: 200 mg four times daily or 600 mg twice daily.
• For trichotillomania (hair-pulling): N-acetyl cysteine 1200 mg to 2400 mg daily has been used.

Side Effects:

NAC is likely safe for adults when provided as a prescription medication.

Adverse effects for oral formulations of acetylcysteine have been reported to include nausea, vomiting, rash, and fever.

People with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinning medications should not take NAC, as it may slow blood clotting.

Although N-acetylcysteine prevented liver damage when taken before alcohol, when taken four hours after alcohol it made liver damage worse in a dose-dependent fashion.

Capacity:

100 capsules

600 mg.