N-Acetylcysteine to combat COVID-19: an evidence review.

Authors: Shi Z, Puyo CA

PMID: 33177829 PMCID: PMC7649937 DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S273700

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus (SARS-Cov-2) and is known for inducing multisystem organ dysfunction associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 have failed to effectively reduce mortality rate, especially for elderly patients. A newly developed vaccine against SARS-Cov-2 has been reported to induce the production of neutralizing antibodies in young volunteers. However, the vaccine has shown limited benefit in the elderly, suggesting an age-dependent immune response. As a result, exploring new applications of existing medications could potentially provide valuable treatments for COVID-19. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used in clinical practice to treat critically ill septic patients, and more recently for COVID-19 patients. NAC has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating characteristics that may prove beneficial in the treatment and prevention of SARS-Cov-2. This review offers a thorough analysis of NAC and discusses its potential use for treatment of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; N-acetylcysteine; SARS-Cov-2

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33177829/
Archive: https://archive.is/qZ8Sl