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Acetylcysteine injection is an intravenous (I.V.) medication for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose. Acetylcysteine is the nonproprietary name for the N-acetyl derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid, L-cysteine (N-acetyl-L-cysteine, NAC). The compound is a white crystalline powder, which melts in the range of 104° to 110° C and has a very slight odor. The molecular formula of the compound is C₅H₉NO₃S, and its molecular weight is 163.2.

Acetylcysteine has the following structural formula:

Acetadote (acetylcysteine injection) is supplied as a sterile solution in vials containing 20% w/v (200 mg/mL) acetylcysteine. The pH of the solution ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. Acetadote (acetylcysteine injection) contains the following inactive ingredients: 0.5 mg/mL disodium edetate, sodium hydroxide (used for pH adjustment), and Sterile Water for Injection, USP.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/3/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.