Table of contents:
- What will happen if paracetamol and alcohol mix in the body?
- Liver failure due to alcohol interactions
- When is it okay to drink alcohol again after taking paracetamol?
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is an over-the-counter medication that many people use to relieve fever and pain. Paracetamol includes painkillers as well as cough and cold medicines. This medication is completely safe when used as directed, almost everyone has a home supply of this medicine. However, if you mix paracetamol and alcohol, for example by drinking alcohol just before or after taking paracetamol, there are dangerous side effects that may occur.
What will happen if paracetamol and alcohol mix in the body?
Although paracetamol is considered safe for general use, it can be dangerous for those who have an alcohol addiction or who drink alcohol regularly. The combination of paracetamol and alcohol puts you at risk for overdose even if you are already following safe recommended doses. Therefore, many drug manufacturers ask consumers who consume more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day to consult a doctor before using paracetamol.
Liver failure due to alcohol interactions
Paracetamol and alcohol mixed in the body can lead to deadly complications, one of which is alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome. Without timely treatment, alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome can lead to acute liver failure.
The body releases proteins called transaminases to help support liver metabolism. People with alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome have large serum transaminase levels. This means that the liver is working much harder to process acetaminophen and alcohol. This hard work cannot be borne by the heart.
In addition, while alcohol is metabolized, toxic enzymes are released. Alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome speeds up the metabolic rate of alcohol, which in turn accelerates the release of toxins. These toxins build up in the liver, causing a condition called hepatoxicity, and ultimately liver failure and liver damage.
When is it okay to drink alcohol again after taking paracetamol?
Before using paracetamol, you should consider your level of alcohol consumption and the condition of your liver. People who regularly drink alcohol for a long time, even in moderation, may not have adequate levels of glutathione (an enzyme responsible for detoxification). Reduced glutathione contributes to an increased risk of liver problems, even with small doses of paracetamol.
How paracetamol and alcohol interact with each other depends on the user's age, weight, and health condition. It often takes up to 5 days for the liver to completely get rid of alcohol. The time it takes to get rid of paracetamol can be even longer. As a result, it would be best to wait at least five days after drinking alcoholic beverages, before using paracetamol.
Apart from that, you will also have to wait at least one week after the last dose of paracetamol Before you start drinking alcohol again. Long-term alcohol users should avoid drinking alcohol if they want to take paracetamol. Or, you can consider taking other medications. Paracetamol should not be used to treat alcohol or headaches hangover.
If you have a drinking problem or have a liver problem, always consult your doctor before taking paracetamol to avoid complications.
