N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) - Zestril (Lisinopril) Interaction

Interaction Details

Lisinopril is classified as belonging to the following category: Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine potentiates the hypotensive effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) captopril and enalaprilat. Theoretically, combining N-acetyl cysteine with other antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.

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

Although NAC has been associated with causing hypotension (low blood pressure), it appears to be relatively uncommon.

Reports of hypotension appear only to be associated when the drug has been administered IV (intravenously) for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose. Even then, it was only rarely reported (0.1% of adults) to have occurred.

The prescribing information for Mucomyst, a brand-name inhalation solution of NAC, does not list hypotension at all as a reported side effect.

Based on all the available information, the risk of clinically significant hypotension occurring when taking NAC orally as a dietary supplement is quite low, but nonetheless, remains a precaution in our drug interaction pages.

References

• Ruiz FJ, Salom MG, Inglés AC, et al. N-acetyl-L-cysteine potentiates depressor response to captopril and enalaprilat in SHRs. Am J Physiol. 1994;267(3 Pt 2):R767-72.

Lisinopril Overview

• Lisinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Lisinopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

• High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) - More Interactions

N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) interacts with 291 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.