What is the Difference Between Acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine?

Acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two. Both compounds have the same chemical formula (C5H9NO3S) and are used as medications or supplements, but N-acetylcysteine is considered to be more toxic than acetylcysteine.

Both acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine are designations for the same compound, which is abbreviated as NAC. NAC is a precursor to the amino acid cysteine, which plays two key metabolic roles:

1. Contributing to glutathione production, cysteine participates in the general antioxidant activities of the body.
2. As a modulator of the glutamatergic system, cysteine influences the reward-reinforcement pathway.

NAC is primarily used in medical settings for respiratory conditions (as a mucolytic agent), to manage acetaminophen overdoses, and to prevent radio-contrast-induced nephropathy. More recent investigations have explored the use of NAC in the treatment of psychiatric conditions.

In summary, the main difference between acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine is their toxicity levels, with N-acetylcysteine being more toxic than acetylcysteine. However, both compounds share the same chemical formula and are generally considered the same compound in most contexts.

Comparative Table: Acetylcysteine vs N-acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine are the same chemical compound, and the terms can be used interchangeably. The only difference between the two is the way they are named, with N-acetyl L cysteine specifying that it is the N-acetyl derivative of the L-cysteine amino acid. Here is a table summarizing their properties:

Both Acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine are widely used in medicine and as over-the-counter nutritional supplements. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are the basis for their various clinical applications.