What you will get in the hospital is Mucosil, which is a drug that is also used to destroy mucus. If you can't or won't swallow it, the ER staff will give you activated charcoal and possibly give it to you through an IV, though that is technically not FDA approved for the treatment of APAP overdose.

Btw, if you ever suspect an APAP overdose, please go to a hospital; you have a very good prognosis if you treat it early on. Wait too long and you might need a liver transplant.

I personally have been taking NAC with my meds for some time and have never shown any loss of hepatic function on any blood test. I've always used GNC, and because of the lack of any real regulation of dietary supplements, you cannot be guaranteed of any specific potency. I would say if you use a "reputable" brand, you will be fine. In Europe, NAC is a common prescription drug, so that's always another option if you'd rather have pharmaceutical company peace of mind.

rex- I'm just glad to help, and hopefully make a difference in someone's health, but I always tell people I give advice to that I'm still just a student. And yes, once I get my license to practice medicine, the FIRST thing I am going to do is RX myself, it is completely legal, though not considered ethical by some jealous pharmacists. I am just waiting for that one day when I am not at a doctor's mercy any more, and I can finally decide what I want and get it legally.

-yawkaw