Can acetylcysteine be administered orally?

Study for the Respiratory Therapy Pharmacology Test. Excel with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Acetylcysteine can indeed be administered orally, particularly in the context of treating acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. This administration route allows for absorption and exerts its effects systemically, helping to replenish depleted glutathione levels in the liver and protect it from damage due to the toxic metabolite of acetaminophen.

In this scenario, the oral formulation of acetylcysteine is an effective means of preventing or mitigating liver injury when taken shortly after an overdose. The versatility of acetylcysteine as both an inhaled agent for respiratory conditions and an oral medication for acetaminophen toxicity underscores its significance in various therapeutic contexts.

The other choices focus on other possible uses or limitations of acetylcysteine, but they do not accurately reflect the fact that this medication can be safely and effectively administered orally, particularly in the case of an overdose situation.

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