The Drug-Induced Respiratory Disease Website

Acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine)

Most problems with NAC occur with the i.v. or the inhaled not the oral route

Chest pain (acute or subacute), lone or prominent

Angioedema (may cause UAO, asphyxia and death)

Esophageal pathology (erosion, ulcer, tear, rupture, fistula, Boerhaave’s syndrome)

Esophageal toxicity

Diagnosing DIRD

Drug and radiation history

Drug singularity - Correct identification of the drug

Consistent timing of exposure v. onset of symptoms

Clinical, imaging, BAL, pathological pattern consistent with the specific drug

Careful exlusion of another cause

Remission of symptoms with removal of drug

Recurrence with rechallenge (rarely advisable)

Causality assessment

No activity has been recorded yet.