Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Bell D, Tatco V, Jones J, et al. N-acetylcysteine. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 25 Feb 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-7298
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is often used as a prophylaxis against contrast-induced nephropathy. Protocols for administration vary widely from institution to institution and the true efficacy is still controversial.
A typical protocol is 1,2:
- 600 mg acetylcysteine twice daily on the day of the examination
- +/- 600 mg twice daily the day before the examination
N-acetylcysteine also forms a key part of the specific treatment of acetaminophen overdose, helping the body to replenish its NAPQI stores.
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1. “Prophylaxis of Contrast Material–induced Nephropathy in Patients in Intensive Care: Acetylcysteine, Theophylline, or Both? A Randomized Study1,” June 1, 2006. [Link].
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2. Poletti Pierre-Alexandre, Patrick Saudan, Alexandra Platon et al. “IV N-Acetylcysteine and Emergency CT: Use of Serum Creatinine and Cystatin C as Markers of Radiocontrast Nephrotoxicity.” Am. J. Roentgenol. 189, no. 3 (September 1, 2007): 687-692. doi:10.2214/AJR.07.2356.
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