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NAC and the Lungs: What N-Acetylcysteine Is and Is Not
NAC, or N-acetylcysteine, is an amino acid derivative used as a medicine in hospitals, for example after acetaminophen overdose, and sold as a supplement. Some studies looked at it in long-term lung conditions with mixed results. It is not in PureLung, and anyone with a lung condition should use it only if a clinician advises.
Written by the PureLung label deskUpdated · 5 min read
What is NAC?
N-acetylcysteine is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine. The body uses cysteine to make glutathione, a substance involved in handling stress at the cell level. As a medicine it is given by mouth, inhaled or by injection in specific settings. As a supplement it is sold in capsules and powders.
We cover it because many people compare lung products with NAC products. It is not on the PureLung panel.
What studies look at
Studies have tested NAC in people with chronic bronchitis and COPD, looking at flare-ups, cough and mucus. Results have been mixed, with some analyses suggesting a small reduction in flare-ups at higher daily doses and others finding little. Study design, dose and patient groups differ, so the findings are hard to apply to someone who simply wants to support healthy lungs.
None of that research proves a benefit for healthy people.
Where it fits in COPD care
COPD care rests on quitting smoking, inhalers, rehabilitation and vaccines (NHLBI, COPD Treatment). If a clinician chooses to add NAC, it is a specific decision with a dose, a purpose and a way to check the result. That is very different from buying a capsule because of an ad.
If you have COPD or chronic bronchitis, do not start NAC or any supplement without telling your clinician, and never cut back on prescribed medicine.
Side effects and cautions
NAC is well known enough that its side effects are listed in drug references, and a few matter for lung patients in particular.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a smell of sulfur are common.
- It can cause rash or, rarely, a serious allergic reaction.
- Inhaled forms may trigger bronchospasm in people with asthma.
- It may interact with nitroglycerin and some blood pressure medicines.
- Safety in pregnancy and nursing needs a clinician's view.
PureLung: 60 capsules a bottlePacks of 1, 3 or 6 bottles · live price shown at checkout · guarantee as printed on the live listing
See packsHow NAC differs from PureLung
The two products share nothing on their labels, and that matters when someone says PureLung is like NAC or contains something similar. PureLung lists eleven named ingredients in a 600 mg blend with no amounts. NAC products usually list one ingredient with an amount. Do not assume a lung capsule works like NAC or that a lung capsule contains it.
What does the PureLung label say?
The label shows 60 capsules, a serving of 2 and a 600 mg Proprietary Blend of eleven names with no single amount; it names no disease.
| Item | As printed |
|---|---|
| Form and count | Capsules, 60 per bottle; serving size 2 capsules; 30 servings |
| Blend per serving | Proprietary Blend, 600 mg: eleven names, no single amount printed |
| Inactive | Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Silica Dioxide |
| Distributor | MJO, Sheridan, WY 82801 |
The bigger picture
For breathing symptoms the first step is a diagnosis, because the right treatment depends on the cause, and a supplement chosen before a diagnosis may be aimed at the wrong target. See the COPD basics guide and the lung supplements guide.
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Order 6 bottlesPrices are filled in once the live listing is confirmed. A single bottle is also sold. Check your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist before you order, and keep using every inhaler and prescribed medicine.
FAQ01
PureLung questions people ask
Is NAC in PureLung?
No.
Does NAC thin mucus?
It is used for that in some medical settings.
Is NAC safe?
It has side effects and interactions. Ask a clinician.
Can NAC cure COPD?
No. COPD has no cure.
Where can I read more?
Ask a pharmacist, and see ALA and NHLBI pages.
Who wrote this02
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label images, seller information and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a U.S. authorized retailer for PureLung. It is not the manufacturer or the distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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