Perspectives for the Use of N-acetylcysteine as a Candidate Drug to Treat COVID-19

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2021;21(3):268-272. doi: 10.2174/1389557520666201027160833.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndromerelated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become an ongoing pandemic worldwide. However, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs with proven clinical efficacy. Therefore, a remedial measure is urgently needed to combat the devastating COVID-19. The pharmacological activities of Nacetylcysteine (NAC) and its potential functions in inhibiting the progression of COVID-19 make it a promising therapeutic agent for the infection. In this mini-review, we discussed the therapeutic potential of NAC in COVID-19 from the perspective of its multisite pharmacological actions.

Keywords: COVID-19; N-acetylcysteine; SARS-COV-2; inflammation; mental disorders; nitric oxide; oxidative stress; thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • COVID-19 / complications
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Drug Design
  • Drug Repositioning
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Acetylcysteine