BBS Room
Support Group
Send a E Card
Chat Room

Sign our GuestMap

CF NEWS Monthly Newsletter: Subscribe Unsubscribe

 

N-acetylcysteine

N-Acetylcysteine is a nonessential amino acid that is used as a supplement for bronchitis, HIV infection, cystic fibrosis, cancer chemotherapy support, acetaminophen poisoning, heavy metal poisoning, and septic shock.

Other names for N-Acetylcysteine include: NAC, Acetylcysteine, and Mercapturic Acid.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Dosage: There are many doses for this medicine. The most common doses for N-Acetylcysteine are listed below. Ask your doctor if your health problem is not on the list or if the dose is not given for a product you want to use.

• General Use: 250 to 1500 milligrams daily, by mouth (1)
• Upset Stomach and Throwing Up Associated with Cancer Chemotherapy: 1800 milligrams daily, by mouth (2)
• IN CASE OF ACETAMINOPHEN (TYLENOL(R)) OVERDOSE, GO TO LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY!

Drug and Food Interactions: Do not take N-Acetylcysteine without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:

• N-Acetylcysteine may cause your body to loose zinc. Supplementing with zinc while taking N-Acetylcysteine is suggested (1)
• Antibiotic medicine (examples: penicillin, erythromycin, ampicillin, tetracycline) (5)
• Metoclopramide (Reglan(R)) (6)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol(R)) (9)
• Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat(R) Nitro-Dur(R) Nitro-Bid(R)) (10)

• Before taking N-Acetylcysteine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Do not use without a doctor's advice if you have asthma or liver disease (7,8)
• Large doses of N-Acetylcysteine can be toxic (dangerous) to nerve cells (1)

Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Possible Side Effects: You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.