N-acetylcysteine adsorption by activated charcoal.

N-acetylcysteine was adsorbed by activated charcoal, lending in vitro support to previous clinical of activated charcoal for NAC in biologic fluid was significantly greater than in nonbiologic fluid and has important clinical implications. Although some have advocated lavage to remove activated charcoal prior to the administration of NAC, the avid adsorption of NAC suggested that activated charcoal may not be justifiable for acetaminophen overdosage when NAC therapy is indicated. Studies in humans are required to substantiate the clinical significance of this in vitro adsorption.