Biliary disease

Overview

Only N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is indexed for biliary disease, with four low-rated studies (WA 48) for effect size, evidence, and trust.

It is uncertain whether intravenous NAC helps people with biliary problems after surgery for blocked bile ducts. One small study found lower liver enzyme levels with NAC but no change in bilirubin or hospital stay length. Liver enzymes remained abnormal at 30 days, though somewhat improved compared with those who did not receive NAC.

Evidence is preliminary. See the evidence reviews below for trial detail.

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N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)	★★★★★	Low

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Studies

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1 supplement for rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Hospital IV/IM therapy — not an oral supplement

Evidence Review

It is uncertain if intravenous N-acetylcysteine (NAC) helps people with biliary problems.
One small study found that giving NAC after surgery for blocked bile ducts lowered some liver enzyme levels but did not change bilirubin levels or how long patients stayed in the hospital.
Liver enzymes were still not normal after 30 days, but were better in those who got NAC.

Browse 4 studies

RCTEffect of N-acetylcysteine on liver and kidney function tests after surgical bypass in obstructive jaundice: A randomized controlled trial2020n=30

An RCT of 30 cardiac surgery patients found NAC (200 mg/kg) reduced postoperative liver and kidney enzyme elevations versus control.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 200 mg/kg
Population: Obstructive jaundice patients
Participants: 30

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RCTThe efficacy of adjunctive N-acetylcysteine in acute bipolar depression: A randomized placebo-controlled study2019n=80

A 20-week RCT of 80 bipolar patients found adjunctive NAC (3 g/day) significantly reduced depressive symptoms versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 20 weeks
Dose: 3 g/day
Population: Adults
Participants: 80

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RCTMaintenance N-acetyl cysteine treatment for bipolar disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial2012n=149

A maintenance RCT of 149 bipolar patients found NAC (2 g/day) did not significantly prevent mood episode recurrence versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Dose: 2 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 149

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RCTN-acetyl cysteine add-on treatment for bipolar II disorder: a subgroup analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial2011

A subgroup analysis of bipolar II patients found NAC add-on therapy produced modest depressive symptom improvement versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 24 weeks
Population: ALL patients

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Evidence visualised

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Effect-size distribution

How large the reported benefits tend to be

Study distribution across 1 supplements for biliary disease (4 studies total).
Supplement	DEX	Studies	Meta-analyses	Share
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)	★★★★★48%	4	0	100%

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Overview

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Studies

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