What is N-acetylcysteine?
The Mayo Clinic label describes oral acetylcysteine as a prescription hospital medicine used to help prevent or lessen liver damage from an acetaminophen overdose. It is not a supplement label.
What it does for skin
We found no human skin trial of oral NAC in the sources reviewed, so no skin benefit is shown.
What the research shows
The hospital course described on the label is about 17 doses, roughly four hours apart. The label gives no milligram dose for supplement use.
Forms, amounts and limits
The sources reviewed do not establish a supplement dose. Do not use medical doses without a clinician.
Safety
The Mayo label lists serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, and a bleeding risk in the esophagus and stomach.
Common effects are mild nausea, stomach upset and vomiting.
Mayo names carbamazepine and nitroglycerin as medicines that may increase side effects. It notes that the sodium in the medicine can worsen congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and kidney disease.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medicines.
Questions
Does NAC interact with heart medicine?
The Mayo label names nitroglycerin as an interacting medicine but does not explain the effect. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before combining them.
Is NAC proven for skin?
No. We found no human skin trial of oral NAC in the sources reviewed.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Vanu Health does not sell this supplement. Read our terms.