Pharmacologic Substance
acetylcysteine
[ uh-seet-l-sis-tee-een, -in, uh-set-, as-i-tl- ]
Brand Names:
Acetadote; Cetylev
Effect:
Decreased Respiratory Secretion Viscosity
May Prevent:
Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute; Postoperative Complications
May Treat:
Amyloidosis;
Bronchiectasis;
Bronchitis;
Cystic Fibrosis;
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions;
Pneumonia;
Poisoning;
Pulmonary Emphysema;
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
More Information:
Definitions related to acetylcysteine:
-
A drug usually used to reduce the thickness of mucus and ease its removal. It is also used to reverse the toxicity of high doses of acetaminophen.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
A synthetic N-acetyl derivative of the endogenous amino acid L-cysteine, a precursor of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione. Acetylcysteine regenerates liver stores of glutathione. This agent also reduces disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, resulting in liquification of mucus. Some evidence suggests that acetylcysteine may exert an anti-apoptotic effect due to its antioxidant activity, possibly preventing cancer cell development or growth. In addition, acetylcysteine has inhibited viral stimulation by reactive oxygen intermediates, thereby producing antiviral activity in HIV patients. (NCI04)NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
N-acetyl derivative of cysteine; used as a mucolytic agent to reduce the viscosity of mucous secretions.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
-
The N-acetyl derivative of CYSTEINE. It is used as a mucolytic agent to reduce the viscosity of mucous secretions. It has also been shown to have antiviral effects in patients with HIV due to inhibition of viral stimulation by reactive oxygen intermediates.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> A
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.