High-dose N-acetylcysteine in patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of high-dose N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design And Patients: Randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled study in 123 patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD.

Interventions: NAC 1200 mg/day, 600 mg/day or placebo administered once daily for 10 days.