Pharmacology. Acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine [NAC]) is a mucolytic agent that acts as a sulfhydryl group donor, substituting for the usual sulfhydryl donor of the liver, glutathione. It rapidly binds (detoxifies) the highly reactive electrophilic intermediates of metabolism, or it may enhance the reduction of the toxic intermediate, NAPQI, to the parent, acetaminophen. It is most effective in preventing acetaminophen-induced liver injury when given early in the course of intoxication (within 8 to 10 hours), but it may also be of benefit in reducing the severity of liver injury by several proposed mechanisms (improved blood flow and oxygen delivery, modified cytokine production, free radical or oxygen scavenging), even when given after 24 hours. This proposed role of NAC as a glutathione precursor, direct sulfhydryl binding agent, and antioxidant has also been the basis for its investigational use for poisonings from agents that are associated with a free radical or oxidative stress mechanism of toxicity or that bind to sulfhydryl groups. It may be used empirically when the severity of ingestion is unknown or serum concentrations of the ingested drug are not immediately available.

Indications

1. 
   

   Acetaminophen overdose.

   
   
2. 
   

   Case reports of or investigational use in carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, acrylonitrile, doxorubicin, arsenic, gold, amanitin mushroom, carbon monoxide, chromium, cyanide, nitrofurantoin, paraquat, and methyl mercury poisoning.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pennyroyal oil and clove oil poisoning (case reports). The mechanism of hepatic injury by pennyroyal oil and clove oil is similar to that of acetaminophen, and empiric use of NAC seems justified for any significant pennyroyal oil or clove oil ingestion.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cisplatin nephrotoxicity and prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pyroglutamic aciduria (5-oxoprolinuria).

Contraindications. Known acute hypersensitivity or IgE-mediated anaphylaxis (rare). Anaphylactoid reactions, although similar in clinical effects, may be prevented or ameliorated, as discussed below.

Adverse effects

1. 
   

   Acetylcysteine typically causes nausea and vomiting when given orally. If the dose is vomited, it should be repeated. The dose calculation and proper dilution (to 5%) should be verified (this effect may be dose- and concentration-dependent). Use of a gastric tube, slower rate of administration, and strong antiemetic agent (eg, metoclopramide [See Metoclopramide], ondansetron [See Ondansetron]) may be necessary.

   
   
2. 
   

   Rapid intravenous administration can cause flushing, rash, angioedema, hypotension, and bronchospasm (anaphylactoid reaction). Death (status epilepticus, intracranial hypertension) was reported in a 30-month-old child who accidentally received a massive dose intravenously (2450 mg/kg over 6 hours, 45 minutes), and fatal bronchospasm occurred in an adult with severe asthma.

   
   
   
   
   1. 
      

      Reactions may be reduced by giving the loading dose slowly (over at least 60 minutes) in a dilute (3–4%) solution and by exercising extra caution in patients with asthma (carefully titrate with more dilute solutions and slower infusion rates; pretreat with antihistamines).

      
      
   2. 
      

      An additional risk factor for anaphylactoid reaction may be low serum levels of acetaminophen, whereas high levels may be protective against reactions.

      
      
   3. 
      

      If an anaphylactoid reaction occurs, stop the infusion immediately and treat with diphenhydramine (See Diphenhydramine) if urticaria, angioedema, or both are present and with epinephrine (See Epinephrine) for more serious reactions (shock, bronchoconstriction). Once symptoms have resolved, the infusion may be recommenced at a slower rate (by further dilution and given over at least 1 hour).

   
   
   
   
3. 
   

   Note: Dilutional hyponatremia and seizures developed in a 3-year-old after IV administration from excess free water (see Item VI.C.2 below for precautions regarding pediatric dilution).

   
   
4. 
   

   Use in pregnancy. FDA Category B (see Table III–1). There is no evidence of teratogenicity. Use of this drug to treat acetaminophen overdose is considered beneficial to both mother and developing fetus. However, maternal hypotension or hypoxia due to a serious anaphylactoid reaction from IV administration may harm the fetus.

Drug or laboratory interactions

1. 
   

   Activated charcoal adsorbs acetylcysteine and may interfere with its systemic absorption. When both are given orally together, data suggest that peak acetylcysteine levels are decreased by about 30% and that the time to reach peak level may be delayed. However, these effects are not considered clinically important.

   
   
2. 
   

   NAC can produce a false-positive test for ketones in the urine.

   
   
3. 
   

   NAC can prolong the measured prothrombin time and INR.

Dosage and method of administration

1. 
   

   Oral loading dose. Give 140 mg/kg of the 10% (1.4 mL/kg) or 20% (0.7 mL/kg) solution diluted in juice or soda to enhance palatability. Dilute the loading dose of 10% NAC with 1.4 mL/kg of juice or soda (for 20% NAC dilute with 2 mL/kg of juice/soda). Oral dilution guidelines are presented in Table III–2.

   
   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   Table III-2 Dilution Guidelines for Oral Administration of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) 
   

   
   

   Table III-2 Dilution Guidelines for Oral Administration of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

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