Can antioxidants replace opioids after appendix surgery?
NCT ID NCT07360379
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether two common antioxidants, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), can improve pain control and reduce the need for strong painkillers after laparoscopic appendix removal. 180 adults aged 18-65 undergoing this surgery will receive either NAC, ALA, or a placebo alongside standard pain medication. The goal is to see if these supplements can lower pain scores and opioid use in the first two days after surgery.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 180 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Dec 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years, either sex * ASA physical status I-III * Undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy * Able to provide informed consent and take oral medications postoperatively Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic opioid use or chronic pain disorder * Pregnancy or lactation * Hepatic or renal impairment * Known hypersensitivity to NAC or ALA * Complicated appendicitis requiring open surgery or ICU admission Exclusion Criteria: \-
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
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The official record
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A doctor treating you
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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