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N-acetylcysteine for antioxidant therapy : pharmacology and clinical utility

journal contribution
posted on 2008-12-01, 00:00 authored by Seetal DoddSeetal Dodd, Olivia DeanOlivia Dean, D Copolov, G Malhi, Michael BerkMichael Berk
Glutathione is an endogenous antioxidant and has a ubiquitous role in many of the body’s defences. Treatment with N -acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to increase levels of glutathione. NAC has been proposed as a treatment for several illnesses. Objectives : The efficacy and tolerability of NAC was examined across a range of conditions to evaluate the evidence supporting the use of NAC for each indication. Methods : A literature search was conducted using PubMed. Information was also collected from other online sources including the websites of the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia and the FDA. Results : Reports ranged from case studies to clinical trials. There is strong evidence to support the use of NAC for the treatment of paracetamol overdose and emerging evidence suggesting it has utility in psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. NAC is safe and well tolerated when administered orally but has documented risks with intravenous administration.

History

Journal

Expert opinion on biological therapy

Volume

8

Issue

12

Pagination

1955 - 1962

Publisher

Informa Healthcare

Location

London, England

ISSN

1354-3776

eISSN

1744-7674

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2008, Informa UK