The potential use of N-acetylcysteine in respiratory conditions

Abstract

Currently, despite the accumulated experience with the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in scientific and real clinical practice, there are a number of questions about its potential and the future prospects for its use.The aim of this work was to summarize new data on the use of NAC in patients with various conditions, based on publications in domestic and foreign medical journals.Results. The article presents an overview of publications in domestic and foreign medical journals devoted to the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in pulmonology practice. The experience with the use of NAC in chronic bronchitis (CB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, community-acquired pneumonia, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, postinfectious bronchiectasis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) is summarized. The aspects of dose-dependent clinical effects and long-term administration of NAC in CB and COPD are analyzed. In addition, there are controversial and contradictory data on the possibility of prescribing NAC for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.Conclusion. NAC is a drug with a broad spectrum of action. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, minor side effects compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs even at high doses, and low price, NAC can be prescribed for many respiratory diseases. Although it has been used for more than half a century, interest in both its practical application and clinical research has not waned to this day.