N-acetylcysteine

2014-10-20T16:09:18Z

110173056: N-acetylcysteine and its use in the treatment of Paracetamol overdose

'''Background '''

N-acetylcysteine is used as a drug to treat overdose of [[Paracetamol|Paracetamol ]](Acetaminophen). When [[Paracetamol|Paracetamol ]]is metabolised by the body it is broken down via different pathways into different [[javascript:void(0);/*1413820366838*/|metabolites]]. Roughly 60% is metabolised via [[glucuronidation|glucuronidation]], 35% via [[sulfation|sulfation]] and 5% via [[cytochrome P450|cytochrome P450]] pathways. The latter converts Paracetamol into a toxic intermediate, [[NAPQI|NAPQI]] (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine). In small amounts, such as with an ordinary dose of paracetamol, the [[NAPQI|NAPQI]] is quickly detoxified by conjugation with [[Glutathione|glutathione]] into a non-toxic [[Metabolite|metabolite]] which can be excreted out through the [[Kidneys|kidneys]].

However, when an overdose of [[Paracetamol|Paracetamol]] is taken, the [[NAPQI|NAPQI]] produced can quickly use up the available of [[Glutathione|glutathione]] in the liver, meaning there is a lot of unmetabolised NAPQI left over. This is extremely toxic to [[Liver|liver]] tissue, as well as being a strong [[Oxidise|biochemical oxidizer]] and can cause liver damage and eventually death if left untreated.

'''Use'''

'''N-acetylcysteine''' is given as a treatment for Parcetamol overdose as it is a precursor to [[Glutathione|glutathione]] and hence helps to restore quantities of the substance in the liver. This means remaining NAPQI can be broken down to avoid damage to the liver.

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N-acetylcysteine