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)
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
Hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST)Methemoglobin levelClinical improvementPCV/hematocrit (Heinz body anemia in cats)
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.
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.
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