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Does N-acetyl Cysteine Cause Pulmonary Hypertension?

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Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2015
Question: A doctor on here suggested that I should try the Effervescent tablet NAC - N acetyl cysteine rather than the tablet form, I currently have.
I have read online that NAC can cause Pulmonary Hypertension while another online source says it can help PH. I also read that NAC can cause bleeding.
I have mild pulmonary hypertension - RVSP 36mmHg (I was told this is mild), minor mitral valve regurgitation, mild tricuspid regurgitation. One year ago I had severe hemoptysis for 5 days (reason unknown) and I have Bronchiectasis (lower left lobe) and asthma. Thank you for your advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You should continue NAC effervescent tablets.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your situation and problem.
NAC is N acetyl cysteine. It is having mucolytic, expectorant and antioxidant properties.
It will not cause Pulmonary hypertension. It is actually given in Pulmonary hypertension to reduce oxidative stress.
So you should continue NAC.
You are having bronchiectesis and asthma. So hemoptysis is mostly due to secondary lung infection. Bronchiectesis patients are known to have lung infection. This is because dilated airways accumulate secretions and so infection is likely.
And to remove these secretions, mucolytic and expectorant drugs are advised. And so NAC is also beneficial in your case.
NAC does not cause hemoptysis directly. But if patient is having active hemoptysis than NAC should be stopped. Because NAC is expectorant and it will force patient to cough. So friction hemoptysis can be seen.
And hence NAC should be avoided in active hemoptysis.
So to sum up, NAC does not cause Pulmonary hypertension and hemoptysis.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)
Thank you for your speedy response doctor. I appreciate it very much.

I am also taking a product called Oxyrich http://www.oxyrich.com.au/information/oxygen/Oxy%20Archive/Know%20about%20Oxygen.php

I cannot find any reason this would have a contradiction with NAC but I feel it is better to ask you as you are the expert.

Thank you for your added time.
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your kind words.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your kind words. It's always encouraging for doctors to hear positive feedback from patients. So again thanks..
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (25 hours later)
Greetings again doctor,

I have one last question regarding Effervescent tablet NAC - N acetyl cysteine... I have only used NAC in a nebulizer given to me by the hospital. I have read that Effervescent NAC can have side effects. If I can tolerate NAC in a nebulizer without any side effects then will I be safe from side effects using the Effervescent tablet NAC?

Thank you for your time and patience with my many questions.

Kind Regards XXXXXXX XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, it is safe to take oral effervescent tablet.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No need to worry for side effects of effervescent tablet. If you tolerated inhaled NAC well, than you will definitely tolerate oral NAC.
So no need to worry much.
Just make sure you dissolve whole NAC effervescent tablet in full glass of water and than drink this whole water.
Just do it according to leaflet.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15005 Questions

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Does N-acetyl Cysteine Cause Pulmonary Hypertension?

Brief Answer: You should continue NAC effervescent tablets. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your situation and problem. NAC is N acetyl cysteine. It is having mucolytic, expectorant and antioxidant properties. It will not cause Pulmonary hypertension. It is actually given in Pulmonary hypertension to reduce oxidative stress. So you should continue NAC. You are having bronchiectesis and asthma. So hemoptysis is mostly due to secondary lung infection. Bronchiectesis patients are known to have lung infection. This is because dilated airways accumulate secretions and so infection is likely. And to remove these secretions, mucolytic and expectorant drugs are advised. And so NAC is also beneficial in your case. NAC does not cause hemoptysis directly. But if patient is having active hemoptysis than NAC should be stopped. Because NAC is expectorant and it will force patient to cough. So friction hemoptysis can be seen. And hence NAC should be avoided in active hemoptysis. So to sum up, NAC does not cause Pulmonary hypertension and hemoptysis. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.