[N-Acetylcysteine as an antidote in accidental acrylonitrile poisoning]

Acute acrylonitrile intoxications are followed by loss of consciousness, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and may end fatally. Common cyanide antidotes have not proved to be effective. In previous animal experiments we could demonstrate that the cyanide antidotes show some protective effect only after oral acrylonitrile application. Only a minimal amount of inhaled acrylonitrile will be transformed into cyanide, in contrast to pharmacokinetics after oral intake. After acrylonitrile inhalation the toxic effect of the whole molecule ( cyanethylation ) is important, and sulfhydryl compounds show antidotal effects. Further animal experiments demonstrate the superior antidotal effects of N-acetyl-cysteine after acrylonitrile inhalation. Intravenous injection of N-acetyl-cysteine in high doses is recommended according to the treatment of paracetamol poisoning.