N-acetylcysteine: evidence based consensus document on the therapeutic advantages in respiratory diseases (NECTAR)

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N-acetylcysteine (NAC) serves as a precursor of glutathione, acting as a key antioxidant in lung health.
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NAC is effective as an adjunct therapy in chronic respiratory conditions, particularly COPD, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis.
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Expert consensus indicates that NAC can prevent exacerbations in COPD and improve lung function in cystic fibrosis.
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NAC shows promise in tuberculosis and respiratory infections, but further evidence is needed for its efficacy in asthma and interstitial lung disease.
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The consensus document emphasizes the need for clearer guidelines and greater clinical integration of NAC in respiratory medicine.

Frontiers In Medicine

by Monica Barne, Madhuragauri Shevade, Parthasarathi Bhattacharyya, Devasahayam J. Christopher, Sanjeev Nair, Nitin Abhyankar, Indranil Halder, Agam Vora, Arjun Khanna, Rajesh Swarnakar, Prashant Chhajed, Balamurugan Santhalingam, Aishwarya Nair, Sundeep Salvi
May 4, 2026

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