The Role of Twice-Daily N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 2400 mg in Smoking Cessation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco smoking remains a health concern, especially in developing countries. Nicotine is significantly linked to many cancers and even secondhand exposure. Hence, smoking can increase the risk of lung and heart disease. This makes quitting smoking important and challenging. Success tends to rise by achieving abstinence with assisted pharmacology. These treatments aim to reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This is a preclinical trial on glutamate modulator in N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a new potential treatment for smoking cessation. It is based on the administration of NAC related to elevated levels of dopamine in the central nervous system to accomplish successful smoking cessation.