N-acetylcysteine is already widely used to clear mucus in cystic fibrosis patients, and to treat overdoses of acetaminophen. It's also being studied for other uses.

Tablets of prescription-strength N-acetylcysteine are inexpensive - about 25 cents for a 500 milligram tablet - and stocked by most pharmacies. It has few side effects. Over-the-counter supplement forms of the drug should not be used for pre-scan kidney protection.


In addition to Kelly and Carlos, the study's authors are Ben Dwamena, M.D., and Paul Cronin, M.B.B.Ch., both assistant professors of radiology, and Steven J. Bernstein, M.D., MPH, professor of internal medicine. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, and by Kelly's GE-Association of University Radiologists Radiology Research Academic Fellowship. None of the authors has financial connections with manufacturers of the drugs or contrast agents studied.

Reference: Annals of Internal Medicine, 19 February 2008, Volume 148 Issue 4
Written by: Kara Gavin, University of Michigan

Full Caption:
This top-down view of a patient's abdomen was made using one of U-M's advanced CT scanners and an iodine-containing contrast dye that reflects the CT scanner's X-rays and improves the visibility of certain details. The kidneys are the two gray heart-shaped areas on either side of the spine, which is bright white. Because of the contrast dye, the medulla (inner) part of each kidney can be distinguished from the cortex (outer) part -- a level of detail that can be important in diagnosing disease. But since CT contrast dye can also harm the kidneys of some patients, U-M researchers say many people should receive a drug called N-acetylcysteine before their scans, to protect against such damage.

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