N-acetylcysteine can be given orally, intravenously, topically, or through inhalation.^[1] Research suggests that in order to achieve the mucolytic effects in the respiratory tract, NAC needs to be administered through inhalation. Alternatively, oral or intravenous administration is the best way to benefit from NAC’s antioxidant effects.^[2]

The suggested dosage of NAC depends on what it’s being used for and the route through which it’s being administered. Orally, NAC is most often given in the dosage range of 600–1,800 mg daily (often divided into two or three daily doses), although higher doses are sometimes used in clinical research. Further research is needed to determine the optimal therapeutic dosages for other uses and methods.