NAC Pure Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking NAC Pure Powder against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
NAC Pure Powder is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for thinning mucus in lung conditions, acetaminophen (tylenol) overdose treatment, antioxidant and glutathione support.Based on those ingredients, 294 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are N-Acetyl Cysteine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against NAC Pure Powder by NOW
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with NAC Pure Powder by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of NAC Pure Powder by NOW
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
NAC Pure Powder by NOW contains one active ingredient: N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an amino acid that helps your body produce and recycle glutathione, a natural antioxidant. NAC is commonly used to help thin mucus and support respiratory and liver health.
The product contains no other inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
The evidence we hold shows NAC is rated Effective for acetaminophen poisoning, atelectasis (collapsed lung tissue), bronchial diagnostic studies, and tracheostomy care. It is rated Possibly Effective for bronchitis.
For other uses not listed here, we don't have effectiveness data on file.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
NAC is generally well tolerated at typical doses. The most common side effects when taken by mouth are diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting — these tend to occur with higher doses (more than 9 grams in a single dose or over 30 grams daily).
There's not enough reliable safety information for all uses, so talk with your doctor before starting. The safety of NAC during pregnancy has not been well studied; it's rated Possibly Safe, but you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Data on safety during breastfeeding is not on file.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking NAC, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take nitroglycerin (a Major interaction risk). Also confirm if you're on blood pressure medications, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, chloroquine, or activated charcoal — all have documented Moderate interactions with NAC.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
NAC is an amino acid supplement generally well tolerated at typical doses and backed by solid evidence for certain respiratory and poisoning-related uses. But it has significant interactions with heart medications, blood pressure drugs, and blood thinners — so check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
If you take nitroglycerin, NAC is not recommended without close medical supervision.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 22, 2023.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about NAC Pure Powder, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739001863 |
| Net contents | 4 Ounce(s); 113 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 22, 2023 |
| DSLD ID | 292055 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for NAC Pure Powder by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested usage: Take 1/4 level teaspoon 1 to 3 times daily. Due to the strong taste of this powder, we recommend it be mixed with acidic type juice, such as orange or cranberry.
Formula
N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a stable form of the non-essential amino acid cysteine. It is a sulfur-containing amino acid that acts as a stabilizer for the formation of protein structures, and promotes the formation of glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful free radical scavenging compound that also helps to maintain normal balanced immune system function. In addition, NAC can help to support healthy brain and neuronal tissues.
Amino acids
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.
Consult a physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication (especially nitroglycerin), or have a medical condition.
Do not eat freshness packet enclosed.
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Storage
Keep freshness packet in bottle until it is empty. Keep bottle tightly closed at all times in between usage.
Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
Formulation
Natural color variation may occur in this product when exposed to air. Speckling may occur but does not affect product quality.
Free radical protection Maintains cellular health Normal immune system function
Non-GMO
Packaged and quality tested in the USA.
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
General Statements
Family owned since 1968.
This product is sold by weight not volume.
Seals/Symbols
GMP Quality Assured
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
NAC Pure Powder by NOW label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in NAC Pure Powder by NOW
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size600 mg Dosage formPowder Servings per container188 Amounts shown are per serving.
N-Acetyl Cysteine
Interacts with294 drugs
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of the amino acid cysteine and a building block for the antioxidant glutathione. It has well-established...
N-Acetyl Cysteine monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
NAC Pure Powder by NOW Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
NAC Pure Powder contains N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which interacts with several important medication types.
The most serious concern is with nitroglycerin (a heart medication) — combining NAC with intravenous or transdermal nitroglycerin can cause severe low blood pressure (hypotension) and severe headaches, and this interaction is rated Major.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
NAC also has Moderate interactions with blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), blood thinners and anti-clotting drugs (anticoagulants and antiplatelets), chloroquine (an antimalarial), and activated charcoal. With blood pressure drugs, NAC may lower your pressure further.
With blood thinners, it may increase bleeding risk. Chloroquine's antimalarial effects may be reduced.
And if you take activated charcoal for poisoning or overdose, each drug can interfere with the other's absorption or effect.
Although this is a single-ingredient product, NAC does interact with a substantial number of medications. Altogether, these interactions span 294 individual medications.
Use the medication checker below to see if any of your prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs are affected before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against NAC Pure Powder?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in NAC Pure Powder interact with 294 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in NAC Pure Powder interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. N-Acetyl Cysteine
ArgatrobanArgatroban
How Argatroban interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Argatroban interactionAspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
How Aspirin interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
How Aspirin, Butalbital interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Butalbital interactionAspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, CaffeineAnacin
How Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interactionAspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interactionAspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium OxideBufferin
How Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide interactionAspirin, CarisoprodolSoma Compound
How Aspirin, Carisoprodol interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Carisoprodol interactionAspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine PhosphateSoma Compound w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka-Seltzer Plus Cold
How Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium BicarbonateAlka-Seltzer Pain Reliever and Antacid
How Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate interactionAspirin, Codeine PhosphateAspirin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Codeine Phosphate, MethocarbamolRobaxisal C
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Methocarbamol interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Methocarbamol interactionAspirin, Codeine Phosphate, PhenobarbitalPhenaphen
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Phenobarbital interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Phenobarbital interactionAspirin, Diphenhydramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent
How Aspirin, Diphenhydramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Diphenhydramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAspirin, DipyridamoleAggrenox, Asasantin Retard
How Aspirin, Dipyridamole interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Dipyridamole interactionAspirin, Ethoheptazine, MeprobamateEquagesic
How Aspirin, Ethoheptazine, Meprobamate interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Ethoheptazine, Meprobamate interactionAspirin, HydrocodoneAlor 5 500, Lortab ASA
How Aspirin, Hydrocodone interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, MeprobamateMicrainin
How Aspirin, Meprobamate interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Meprobamate interactionAspirin, MethocarbamolRobaxisal
How Aspirin, Methocarbamol interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Methocarbamol interactionAspirin, OmeprazoleYosprala
How Aspirin, Omeprazole interacts with NAC Pure Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
N-acetyl CysteineAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine + Aspirin, Omeprazole interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in NAC Pure Powder with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
N-Acetyl Cysteine
Nitroglycerin
N-acetyl cysteine can increase the risk for hypotension and headaches when taken with intravenous or transdermal nitroglycerin.
Clinical research shows that concomitant administration of N-acetyl cysteine and intravenous or transdermal nitroglycerin can cause severe hypotension and intolerable headaches. Furthermore, in vitro research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine increases the anticoagulant activity of nitroglycerin.
Activated Charcoal
N-acetyl cysteine might reduce the effects of activated charcoal, while activated charcoal might reduce the absorption of N-acetyl cysteine.
N-acetyl cysteine appears to reduce the capacity of activated charcoal to adsorb acetaminophen and salicylic acid. Conversely, although clinical research suggests that although activated charcoal can reduce the absorption of N-acetyl cysteine by up to 40%, it does not seem to reduce its clinical effects. Other clinical evidence suggests that activated charcoal does not affect the absorption of N-acetyl cysteine.
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.
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.
Chloroquine (Aralen)
Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might interfere with the antimalarial effects of chloroquine.
Animal research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine might reduce the antimalarial effects of chloroquine by increasing cellular levels of glutathione.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for NAC Pure Powder, from the product label.
NOW
See all NOW products- Name
- NOW Foods
- Street Address
- 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
- City
- Bloomingdale
- State
- IL
- ZipCode
- 60108
- Web Address
- nowfoods.com
NAC Pure Powder by NOW: Common Questions
Does NAC Pure Powder by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What does N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) do in the body?
What are the most common side effects of NAC?
Is NAC safe during pregnancy?
Can I take NAC with my blood pressure medication?
What is NAC used for?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if NAC Pure Powder is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind NAC Pure Powder’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
NAC Pure Powder's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 86 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) 86 references
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- Jepsen S, Hansen AB. The influence of N-acetylcysteine on the measurement of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in healthy subjects. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1994;54:543-7. PubMed
- van Zandwijk N, Dalesio O, Pastorino U, et al. EUROSCAN, a randomized trial of vitamin A and N-acetylcysteine in patients with head and neck cancer or lung cancer. For the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck and Lung C DOI
- Horowitz RS, Dart RC, Jarvie DR, et al. Placental transfer of N-acetylcysteine following human maternal acetaminophen toxicity. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1997;35:447-51.
- Bailey B, McGuigan MA. Management of anaphylactoid reactions to intravenous N-acetylcysteine. Ann Emerg Med 1998;31:710-5. PubMed
- Spiller HA, Krenzelok EP, Grande GA, et al. A prospective evaluation of the effect of activated charcoal before oral N-acetylcysteine in acetaminophen overdose. Ann Emerg Med 1994;23:519-23. PubMed
- Ardissino D, Merlini PA, Savonitto S, et al. Effect of transdermal nitroglycerin or N-acetylcysteine, or both, in the long-term treatment of unstable angina pectoris. J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:941-7. PubMed
- Horowitz JD, Henry CA, Syrjanen ML, et al. Nitroglycerine/N-acetylcysteine in the management of unstable angina pectoris. Eur Heart J 1988;9:95-100. PubMed
- Louwerse ES, Weverling GJ, Bossuyt PM, et al. Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of acetylcysteine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Arch Neurol 1995;52:559-64. PubMed
- Wiklund O, Fager G, Andersson A, et al. N-acetylcysteine treatment lowers plasma homocysteine but not serum lipoprotein(a) levels. Atherosclerosis 1996;119:99-106. PubMed
- De Flora S, Grassi C, Carati L. Attenuation of influenza-like symptomatology and improvement of cell-mediated immunity with long-term N-acetylcysteine treatment. Eur Respir J 1997;10:1535-41. PubMed
- Iversen HK. N-acetylcysteine enhances nitroglycerin-induced headache and cranial arterial responses. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1992;52:125-33. PubMed
- Behr J, Maier K, Degenkolb B, et al. Antioxidative and clinical effects of high-dose N-acetylcysteine in fibrosing alveolitis. Adjunctive therapy to maintenance immunosuppression. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1997;156:1897-901.
- Tenenbein PK, Sitar DS, Tenenbein M. Interaction between N-acetylcysteine and activated charcoal: implications for the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:1331-6.
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