N-Acetylcysteine Amide

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** The amide form of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a synthetic N-acetyl derivative and prodrug of the endogenous amino acid and antioxidant glutathione (GSH) precursor L-cysteine, with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Upon administration, N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) increases GSH levels. GSH scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduces oxidative stress and prevents ROS-mediated cell damage and apoptosis. NACA has enhanced lipophilicity and membrane permeability compared with NAC.

**Synonyms:** - ACETYLCYSTEINAMIDE - AD4 - N-Acetyl Cysteine Amide - N-Acetyl-Cysteine-Amide - N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Amide - N-Acetylcysteinamide - NAC Amide - NACA