You begin to follow a child that was recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. You decide to prescribe an inhaled agent to help dissolve the mucus plugging the airways. This agent is also used as an antidote to reverse the toxicity of which of the following drugs?
aspirin
acetaminophen
heparin
streptokinase
methamphetamine
Correct answer
acetaminophen
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correct answer: B
N-acetylcysteine, or Mucomyst, is a mucolytic agent that works by breaking down disulfide bonds within mucus proteins. It is used in the treatment of patients with conditions involving excessive mucus clogging the airways. For the CF patient above, inhaled Mucomyst is indicated.
N-acetylcysteine is also used widely to reverse acetaminophen toxicity. For this purpose, it is typically given intravenously. It helps to restore glutathione reserves to quench the toxic metabolites and therefore protect the liver cells.