title: N-acetylcysteine: multiple clinical applications.
abstract: N-acetylcysteine is the acetylated variant of the amino acid L-cysteine and is widely used as the specific antidote for acetaminophen overdose. Other applications for N-acetylcysteine supplementation supported by scientific evidence include prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, prevention of contrast-induced kidney damage during imaging procedures, attenuation of illness from the influenza virus when started before infection, treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, and treatment of infertility in patients with clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome. Preliminary studies suggest that N-acetylcysteine may also have a role as a cancer chemopreventive, an adjunct in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, and prophylaxis of gentamicin-induced hearing loss in patients on renal dialysis.
authors.affiliation: Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, P.C., Falls Church, VA 22046, USA. paulmillea@gmail.com
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Millea
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000506:poisoning; D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000931:Antidotes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005100:Expectorants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000931:Antidotes; D005100:Expectorants; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D000082:Acetaminophen; D000111:Acetylcysteine