Acetylcysteine or N-Acetylcysteine ​​​​(NAC) is obtained from the amino acid L-cysteine, which is one of the building blocks of proteins.... The possible uses of this drug include from controlling blood sugar to treating lung problems.... Doctors believe that NAC stimulates the synthesis of glutathione from free compounds of glutathione, thereby causing the destruction of free compounds. becomes glutathione.. inflammation and damage.... This article from GCORP LLC magazine examines the effect of NAC on the body and explains its drug interactions and side effects.... stay with us until the end of this article.

Use of acetylcysteine ​​drug

Acetyl cysteine ​​is called Acetyl cysteine ​​​​in English.... This drug is produced in different forms and in different doses.... For example, the following can be mentioned:

• Acetylcysteine ​​200 mg tablets Acetylcysteine ​​effervescent tablet 600 mg
• Packages of 100 and 200 mg
• Inhalation solution 300 mg/3 ml
• Ampoule 2 g/ml

Researchers have investigated the potential of ACETYLCYSTEINE to help treat a wide variety of medical problems. Some research has shown that using NAC may help with:

1... treatment of psychological problems

Increasing NAC in the body increases the level of certain neurotransmitters that may improve a person's mental performance.... According to research, NAC can help reduce the symptoms of various mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia.

The results of research on the effect of NAC in relieving the symptoms of mental illnesses are promising.. but most doctors do not recommend it as the only treatment.. In other words, the doctor can use it along with psychotherapy and other drugs.

Learn more: What is a lithium pill for?... a pill to treat mental disorders!

2... treatment of lung diseases and removal of phlegm

Acetylcysteine ​​is also beneficial for the lungs....that's why some doctors recommend its use to people with chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis or cystic fibrosis....Of course, different researches have reached different results about the use of NAC to treat lung diseases....so more studies should be done in this field.

3... Improving insulin sensitivity in people with PCOS

One study found that taking NAC may be beneficial for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome can lead to insulin resistance and high blood sugar. Insulin resistance occurs when the body cannot respond well to the hormone insulin.

It is important to note that the effect of NAC to reduce high blood sugar in people with PCOS has not been investigated in high-quality studies. On the other hand, NAC cannot replace insulin or other blood sugar control methods. It should be used alongside them and only as a supplement.

Learn more: What is the best ovarian cyst pill?

4... reducing the risk of premature birth

NAC can also help reduce the risk of preterm labor...Bacterial vaginosis (a vaginal infection caused by bacteria) is associated with preterm labor, and the body's inflammatory response to this infection may increase the likelihood of preterm labor.... According to the researchers, because NAC fights inflammation, it may also help fight this risk factor for preterm birth.

In one study, taking progesterone and 0.6 grams of NAC the day after the 16th week of pregnancy was beneficial for those with a history of preterm labor and bacterial vaginosis. The researchers of this study stated that combining NAC with folic acid may have a similar effect.

5...

Doctors can use NAC to treat acetaminophen overdose.... Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that relieves pain and fever.... In case of an overdose, doctors try to prevent liver damage by prescribing NAC.

6.... Other benefits of acetylcysteine

Some research has shown that acetylcysteine ​​is beneficial for smokers and reduces nicotine dependence. It can also be used for alcohol use disorder, gambling addiction, and skin conditions associated with obsessive compulsive disorder (such as nail biting or hair pulling).

In addition, various studies have shown that NAC may help suppress SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The drug may reduce the patient's need for mechanical ventilation as well as the mortality rate. However, there is currently limited evidence to support this.

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How to use acetylcysteine

NAC can be used orally, inhaled or injected... You should consult your doctor about the dose and the best time to take acetylcysteine... because the way to use it depends on various factors such as age and type of disease... Usually, the oral version of this drug is prescribed in doses of 600 to 1200 mg per day.

You should also ask the pediatrician's opinion about how to take acetylcysteine ​​effervescent tablets for children.... But it seems that children can use 900 to 2700 mg of NAC for up to 12 weeks without any problems.

Learn more: Olanzapine tablets in pregnancy

Effects of acetylcysteine

Side effects of acetylcysteine ​​600 effervescent tablets and other forms of this drug are usually mild and include the following:

• diarrhea
• Eye burning
• fatigue
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• vomiting
dry mouth

In rare cases, some people may report more severe side effects such as low blood pressure, asthma attacks, and headaches after taking effervescent acetylcysteine ​​or other forms of this drug.

If you suffer from asthma or bleeding problems, your doctor will probably tell you to stop taking NAC....You should also stop taking this drug 2 weeks before surgery....because it slows down the blood clotting rate and therefore may lead to heavy bleeding during or after surgery.

Learn more: What is citalopram?.. Get to know this antidepressant!

Drug interactions of acetylcysteine

People who use nitroglycerin in tablet, patch, or cream form should not take NAC....because the combination of the two drugs can cause severe drops in blood pressure and headaches....NAC may interact with blood thinners and some antihypertensive medications....If you use certain medications regularly, consult your doctor before taking NAC.

vulnerable people

Acetylcysteine ​​is probably safe to take orally or by inhalation during pregnancy.. NAC crosses the placenta.. but there is no evidence of harm to the fetus... but its use is recommended only when necessary and under medical supervision.

There is not enough information about the side effects of taking acetylcysteine ​​in breastfeeding... so it is better to be careful and avoid using this drug.

Learn more: What is Ritalin?

Endword

In this article, we answered the question of what acetylcysteine ​​is useful for.... We also talked about the best time to take acetylcysteine ​​pills and its side effects.... Now you know that NAC may help treat many conditions, including mental health problems, insulin resistance, and lung problems.... However, more research is needed to better understand its benefits and side effects.

If you need advice about NAC, you can consult a general practitioner, pulmonologist or psychiatrist through GCORP LLC. GCORP LLC makes it possible for you to meet the best specialists and book an appointment with them

or an online consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: medicalnewstoday, webmd, webmd