Is Having a Drink While Taking Tylenol Ok?
But there are some nuances to keep in mind if you’re deciding whether or not to drink.
If you drink less than three drinks a day, your risk of liver damage is likely lower.
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However, the exact amounts of alcohol or Tylenol that can harm the liver aren’t clear.
In other words, no amount of either Tylenol or alcohol is completely safe for your liver.
Who Is More at Risk When Combining Tylenol and Alcohol?
Heavy drinking also includes binge drinking on five or more days within the past month.
How Do Tylenol and Alcohol Interact?
The biggest concern with taking Tylenol and alcohol together is the potential for liver damage, including liver failure.
Tylenol is metabolized (broken down) in the body by enzymes in the liver.
The liver enzyme CYP2E1 breaks down Tylenol into a substance called NAPQI, which can harm the liver.
The levels of enzyme CYP2E1 increase in people who drink large amounts of alcohol.
This means that when these people take Tylenol, their CYP2E1 kicks into overdrive.
It produces more NAPQI, potentially causing serious liver damage.
Can You Take Tylenol for a Hangover?
Other common medicines for hangovers includenonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)like Motrin (ibuprofen).
Taking NSAIDs or aspirin after drinking is also dangerous because the combination may irritate your stomach.
Unfortunately, there are no safe or effective quick fixes for a hangover.
Time, hydration, and rest are likely to be your best bets.
How Long Does Tylenol Last in the Body?
Tylenol typically works to relieve pain and fever for three to four hours.
At normal doses, thehalf-lifeof Tylenol is about two hours.
This means 50% of your dose of Tylenol remains in your body two hours after taking it.
Interestingly, though, the half-life of Tylenol after anoverdoseincreases and can be as long as eight hours.
What Other Medications Have Tylenol?
You may not realize that your medication contains acetaminophen.
As mentioned, acetaminophen is available alone and as an ingredient in many combination products.
What Pain Relievers Arent Affected by Alcohol?
Other popular OTC pain medicines likeaspirinand NSAIDs are also risky when taken with alcohol.
Taking these medicines with even one drink a day may cause bleeding in your digestive tract.
Topical (applied to the skin) pain relievers may be your best bet to avoid interactions with alcohol.
Summary
Using Tylenol and alcohol together isn’t recommended due to the risk of liver damage.
But keep in mind that the greatest risk is seen with heavy drinking and/or high doses of Tylenol.
Tylenol is not recommended for either the treatment or prevention of hangovers.
If you drink regularly, consider topical pain relievers instead of Tylenol.
confirm you discuss options with your healthcare provider to reduce liver damage and maximize your health.
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