Reviewed by Peptide Treatments Medical Advisory Board (Medical Advisory Board)

NAC (N-Acetylcysteine): Evidence Summary

Evidence summary for NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) across studied indications. Each indication is graded using our evidence tier system based on the quality and quantity of available clinical data.

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Indication Evidence Tier Trial Count Summary
Acetaminophen overdose antidote Tier A 20 Definitive efficacy for hepatoprotection; standard of care worldwide
Mucolytic (CF, COPD, bronchitis) Tier A 30 FDA-approved since 1963; modest reduction in COPD exacerbations
Psychiatric adjunct (OCD, addiction) Tier B 15 Meta-analysis of 15 RCTs shows modest adjunct benefit
Contrast nephropathy prevention Tier C 20 2021 meta-analysis of 20 RCTs found no significant benefit