Contents:
- Medical Video: How Dangerous is Mixing Antibiotics & Alcohol? Debunked
- What will happen if paracetamol and alcohol are mixed in the body?
- Liver failure due to alcohol interactions
- When can you drink alcohol again after taking paracetamol?
Medical Video: How Dangerous is Mixing Antibiotics & Alcohol? Debunked
Paracetamol or also commonly referred to as acetaminofen, is a free drug that is often used by many people to relieve fever and pain. Paracetamol includes painkillers and cough and flu medications. This drug is completely safe if used as recommended, and almost everyone has it at home. However, if you mix paracetamol and alcohol, for example by drinking alcohol shortly before or after taking paracetamol, there are dangerous side effects that may occur.
What will happen if paracetamol and alcohol are mixed in the body?
Although paracetamol is considered safe for use in general, this drug can be dangerous for those who have alcoholism or who drink alcohol regularly. The combination of paracetamol and alcohol puts you at risk of overdose even though you have followed a safe recommended dose. 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 result in deadly complications, one of which is alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome. Without timely treatment, alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome can cause 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 indicates that the liver works 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. The alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome speeds up the rate of alcohol metabolism, which ultimately speeds up the release of toxins. These toxins accumulate in the liver, causing a condition called hepatoxicity, and ultimately liver failure and liver damage.
When can you drink alcohol again after taking paracetamol?
Before using paracetamol, you must consider the level of alcohol consumption and the condition of your heart. People who routinely drink alcohol for a long time, even in moderation, may not have adequate levels of glutathione (the enzyme responsible for the detox process). Reduced glutathione contributes to an increased risk of liver disorders, even with small doses of paracetamol.
How paracetamol and alcohol interact with each other depends on the age, weight, and health conditions of each user. The liver often takes up to 5 days to completely get rid of alcohol. The time needed to get rid of paracetamol can be even longer. As a result, it would be better to wait at least five days after drinking alcoholic beverages, before using paracetamol.
In addition, you 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 might consider taking other medicines. Paracetamol should not be used to treat headaches due to alcohol or hangover.
If you have a problem drinking alcohol or a liver disorder, always consult your doctor before taking paracetamol to avoid complications.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
