N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) - Bufferin (Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide) Interaction

Interaction Details

Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that intravenous N-acetyl cysteine decreases prothrombin time, prolongs coagulation time, decreases platelet aggregation, and increases blood loss in surgical patients. Furthermore, in vitro research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine increases the anticoagulant activity of nitroglycerin.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

There are some concerns about the safety of taking NAC with certain medications, including anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs are medications that help prevent blood clots, which can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Research suggests that taking NAC with these drugs can potentially increase the risk of bleeding, which can also be dangerous.

Clinical research has suggested that intravenous N-acetyl cysteine may decrease prothrombin time, prolong coagulation time, decrease platelet aggregation, and increase blood loss in surgical patients. This means that NAC can interfere with the normal clotting process and increase the risk of bleeding.

However, and this is an important note, these findings were based on intravenous administration of NAC, and it is unclear if the same effects would occur with oral supplementation. However, caution should still be exercised when taking NAC with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.

Be sure to let your doctor know about everything you are taking so you can be monitored appropriately.

References

• Loscalzo J. N-Acetylcysteine potentiates inhibition of platelet aggregation by nitroglycerin. J Clin Invest. 1985;76(2):703-8.
• Niemi, T. T., Munsterhjelm, E., Poyhia, R., Hynninen, M. S., and Salmenpera, M. T. The effect of N-acetylcysteine on blood coagulation and platelet function in patients undergoing open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Blood Coagul.Fibrinolysis 2006;1
• Wijeysundera, D. N., Karkouti, K., Rao, V., Granton, J. T., Chan, C. T., Raban, R., Carroll, J., Poonawala, H., and Beattie, W. S. N-acetylcysteine is associated with increased blood loss and blood product utilization during cardiac surgery. Crit Care Me
• Chirkov, Y. Y. and Horowitz, J. D. N-Acetylcysteine potentiates nitroglycerin-induced reversal of platelet aggregation. J Cardiovasc.Pharmacol 1996;28(3):375-380.

Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide Overview

• Prescription aspirin is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by breakdown of the lining of the joints), systemic lupus erythematosus (condition in which the immune system attacks the joints and organs and causes pain and swelling) and certain other rheumatologic conditions (conditions in which the immune system attacks parts of the body). Nonprescription aspirin is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, menstrual periods, arthritis, toothaches, and muscle aches. Nonprescription aspirin is also used to prevent heart attacks in people who have had a heart attack in the past or who have angina (chest pain that occurs when the heart does not get enough oxygen). Nonprescription aspirin is also used to reduce the risk of death in people who are experiencing or who have recently experienced a heart attack. Nonprescription aspirin is also used to prevent ischemic strokes (strokes that occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain) or mini-strokes (strokes that occur when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked for a short time) in people who have had this type of stroke or mini-stroke in the past. Aspirin will not prevent hemorrhagic strokes (strokes caused by bleeding in the brain). Aspirin is in a group of medications called salicylates. It works by stopping the production of certain natural substances that cause fever, pain, swelling, and blood clots.

• Aspirin is also available in combination with other medications such as antacids, pain relievers, and cough and cold medications. This monograph only includes information about the use of aspirin alone. If you are taking a combination product, read the information on the package or prescription label or ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) - More Interactions

N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) interacts with 288 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.