NAC -- Sulfur donor, decreases mucous and is an antidote to Tylenol overdose...

Ray Sahelian: {I}n the April 1998 issue of Alternative Medicine Reviews summarizes the known effects of acetylcysteine. The author writes, “N-acetylcysteine is an excellent source of sulfhydryl groups, and is converted in the body into metabolites capable of stimulating glutathione synthesis, promoting detoxification, and acting directly as a free radical scavenger. Administration of acetylcysteine has historically been as a mucolytic [mucus dissolving] agent in a variety of respiratory illnesses; however, it appears to also have beneficial effects in conditions characterized by decreased glutathione or oxidative stress, such as HIV infection, cancer, heart disease, and cigarette smoking.” Acetylcysteine Side Effects Other than large doses causing nausea, acetylcysteine does not have any significant side effects and appears to be a safe nutrient as long as the dosage is kept to less than 500 mg. I experienced nausea for a few minutes within an hour of taking three 600 mg pills on an empty stomach. Counteracting Tylenol Toxicity Regular use of the painkiller acetaminophen is associated with higher rates of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and reduced lung function. Animal experiments have suggested that acetaminophen might lower antioxidant activity in the lungs, and causes harm to the liver and kidneys. My comments: With hundreds of people each year dying from acetaminophen overdose, thousands more with liver damage or other health problems, why is acetaminophen still available for sale without a prescription whereas regulators have tried to pull away certain nutritional supplements that are far less toxic? Those who need to take acetaminophen for a health condition should consider Acetylcysteine, a nutrient that protects the liver from this drug's toxicity. The antidote for acetaminophen poisoning is N acetyl cysteine. Acetylcysteine is thought to work through a number of protective mechanisms. Acetylcysteine is a precursor of glutathione and increases glutathione availability. Acetylcysteine also functions as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and has positive inotropic effects. Acetylcysteine increases local nitric oxide concentrations, and this vasodilatory effect on microcirculatory blood flow enhances local oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues. These vasodilating effects decrease morbidity and mortality even in the setting of established liver damage. Acetylcysteine Recommendations Acetyl cysteine is sold in dosages ranging from 250 to 600 mg. Acetylcysteine can help form the powerful antioxidant glutathione but the formation of glutathione synthesis is under feedback control. Administration of acetylcysteine with the resulting increase in glutathione levels may cause a feedback inhibition in glutathione synthesis. Thus, it may be best to take acetylcysteine every other day. The use of acetylcysteine certainly should be considered as an additional supplement in protecting various cells from damage in the elderly and those with Parkinson’s disease. If you are planning to use acetylcysteine along with other antioxidants, limit your daily dosage to 100 to 500 mg and don’t take it all the time. Acetylcysteine could protect the liver in those who take acetaminophen on a regular basis.