N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is found naturally in the body. It is converted to a chemical called glutathione, which plays a role in the detoxification of foreign substances in the body. It also antioxidant that is thought to neutralize free radicals that cause damage to your body.
Do not take if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Unstable medical illness without clearance from your primary care doctor
- History of seizures
- Mental health disorder without clearance from your mental health provider
- Pregnancy
- Asthma
Do not take if you are taking
- Nitroglycerin: NAC can increase hypotension, headache, and worsen temporal artery dilation.
- Imipramine and escitalopram : NAC may increase the effects of these medications
Dosing used in dermatology:
Initial dose of 600mg twice a day for 3 wks the dose could be raised to 1200mg po bid and up to max dose of 3,000mg/day. Your total dose can be divided twice or three times a day.
FYI N-acetylcysteine often emits an odor of sulfur and this is normal.
What has it been used for in dermatology:
NAC has been found to be helpful in decreasing the urge to pick at your skin. Also helpful for those who bite their nails and pull on their hair.
Side effects: (are rare at doses of 1,200 mg/day)
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Irritation of the conjunctiva of the eyes
- Skin rash
- Less commonly reported side effects include low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, asthma attacks, and headache.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/n-acetylcysteine
https://www.ncbi.m.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6561714/
You can purchase on Amazon.com and Walmart.com