Breaks disulfide bonds in mucoproteins (mucolytic effect) and chelates zinc and calcium ions required by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs/collagenases), inhibiting corneal melting (keratomalacia). Also provides antioxidant protection to the corneal surface.
At a glance
Class
Ophthalmic Mucolytic / Anticollagenase
Storage
Refrigerate compounded solution; use within 7–14 days per compounding pharmacy
Dosing
Used for melting corneal ulcers (enzymatic keratomalacia) — collagenase inhibiti
Frequency
q1–6h depending on severity
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Corneal fluorescein staining q24hMelting progression/resolutionCytology and culture
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
Other markets
NAC Ophthalmic (compounded)
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic?
Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic mucolytic / anticollagenase used in pets. Breaks disulfide bonds in mucoproteins (mucolytic effect) and chelates zinc and calcium ions required by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs/collagenases), inhibiting corneal melting (keratomalacia). Also provides antioxidant protection to the corneal surface.
›What is Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for melting corneal ulcers (enzymatic keratomalacia) — collagenase inhibiti; Same indications.
›What is the Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Used for melting corneal ulcers (enzymatic keratomalacia) — collagenase inhibiti: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q1–6h depending on severity. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Same indications: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q2–4h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Acetylcysteine Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database