Provides cysteine for glutathione synthesis, replenishing hepatic glutathione stores depleted by acetaminophen toxicity or oxidative stress. Also directly scavenges reactive oxygen species and acts as a mucolytic by breaking disulfide bonds in mucoproteins.
At a glance
Class
Mucolytic / Antidote / Antioxidant
Storage
Store at room temperature; opened vials use within 96h (IV) or 48h (inhalation); turns pink/purple with air — still effective
Dosing
Time-critical for acetaminophen overdose — initiate within 8h of ingestion for m
Frequency
Loading then maintenance q4–8h
Cats lack glucuronidation — acetaminophen rapidly causes fatal Heinz body anemia
Frequency
Loading then maintenance q4h (toxicity) or q8h (supportive)
Safety
Hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST)Methemoglobin levelClinical improvementPCV/hematocrit (Heinz body anemia in cats)
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)?
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic / antidote / antioxidant used in pets. Provides cysteine for glutathione synthesis, replenishing hepatic glutathione stores depleted by acetaminophen toxicity or oxidative stress. Also directly scavenges reactive oxygen species and acts as a mucolytic by breaking disulfide bonds in mucoproteins.
›What is N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) used for in pets?
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is used in veterinary medicine for: Time-critical for acetaminophen overdose — initiate within 8h of ingestion for m; Cats lack glucuronidation — acetaminophen rapidly causes fatal Heinz body anemia.
›What is the N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) dose for dogs?
For dogs, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is typically dosed as follows — Time-critical for acetaminophen overdose — initiate within 8h of ingestion for m: 30–70 mg/kg IV/PO Loading then maintenance q4–8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) dose for cats?
For cats, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is typically dosed as follows — Cats lack glucuronidation — acetaminophen rapidly causes fatal Heinz body anemia: undefined undefined IV/PO Loading then maintenance q4h (toxicity) or q8h (supportive). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) need a prescription?
Yes. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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