In vitro acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine, NAC) reduces the viscosity of mucus and other secretions; this effect seems to be achieved by reducing disulphide bonds in mucoproteins. In vivo it also stimulates the synthesis of glutathione and thus acts indirectly as an antioxidans. By this means it has the ability to prevent the hepatotoxic effects of paracetamol overdosage.

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