NAC is the antidote to paracetamol poisoning

Paracetamol is the most widely used analgesic in the world.  It is also surprisingly dangerous, and above a certain dosage level, it is lethal.  The paracetamol molecule is not by itself toxic.   However, when it is processed by the liver it is converted to three breakdown products.  Two of these products, which account for between 60-80% of paracetamol metabolism are harmless, and are removed from the body by the kidneys.  The remainder is converted into a compound know as NAPQI.  This is a highly toxic compound, and if not dealt with by the body, causes damage to proteins and nucleic acids, resulting in the death of liver cells.

Fortunately, the body can process this poison, as long as it has an adequate supply of glutathione (GSH).  Glutathione reacts irreversibly with NAPQI, rendering it safe to be excreted from the body.  In the event of a lethal overdose, which is in the area of 10-15g, much larger amounts of NAPQI are produced, which results in a rapid depletion of glutiathione stores in the liver.  

Once these are gone, the remaining poison will destroy the liver.  Doses which are toxic to the liver, range between 4-6g.  It has also recently been acknowledged that toxic effects can occur at doses commonly prescribed by physicians.

It is no surprise then that NAC is the commonly prescribed antidote for paracetamol overdose, since the large doses of NAC given allow the body and liver to rapidly replenish their glutathione reserves and safely deal with the excess NAPQI.

If you take paracetamol regularly, it might be a good idea to help protect your liver with some NAC.  It is cheap, effective and has a host of other beneficial effects in the body.

NAC is also used to treat serious lung disease

It is also interesting to know that acetyl cysteine acts as a powerful mucolytic agent, which means that it helps to break up mucus in the lungs and keep them clear.  This is not a theoretical application, the results are well studied, and reviews on the effectiveness of NAC at relieving the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive lung disease have already been done, with extensive clinical tirals.  The exact mechanism for this effect is not fully known, but like nearly all of the other beneficial effects of NAC, it is thought by some to be attributed to the ability of NAC to elevate cellular glutathione.

Read about another little known benefit of NAC here, if you’re partial to a drink or two!

NAC is The Antidote to Paracetamol Poisoning

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