Saturday April 24, 1999 - Question 1

Which of the following statements about N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and acetaminophen toxicity is correct?

A. Administration of NAC does not result in the synthesis of glutathione in the body.

B. The risk of acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity increases when glutathione stores are reduced by 70%.

C. Glutathione depletion begins 16 hours after ingestion of a toxic dose of acetaminophen.

D. There is no role for NAC therapy after the onset of hepatic failure.

E. Systemic bioavailability of NAC is 75% after oral administration.
 

Discussion