N-acetylcysteine for antioxidant therapy: pharmacology and clinical utility.
BACKGROUND
Glutathione is an endogenous antioxidant and has a ubiquitous role in many of the body's defences. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to increase levels of glutathione. NAC has been proposed as a treatment for several illnesses.


OBJECTIVE
The efficacy and tolerability of NAC was examined across a range of conditions to evaluate the evidence supporting the use of NAC for each indication.


METHODS
A literature search was conducted using PubMed. Information was also collected from other online sources including the websites of the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia and the FDA.


RESULTS
Reports ranged from case studies to clinical trials. There is strong evidence to support the use of NAC for the treatment of paracetamol overdose and emerging evidence suggesting it has utility in psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. NAC is safe and well tolerated when administered orally but has documented risks with intravenous administration.
Dodd
Seetal
S
University of Melbourne, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Barwon Health, PO Box 281, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia. seetald@barwonhealth.org.au
Dean
Olivia
O
Copolov
David L
DL
Malhi
Gin S
GS
Berk
Michael
M
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D006801:Humans
D000975:Antioxidants; D000111:Acetylcysteine