When you’ve had a bit too much to drink and wake up with a pounding headache or aching body, you might instinctively reach for the nearest painkiller to help alleviate the symptoms of your hangover. But, before you pop that pill, you need to know which painkiller is safe, and which one could potentially be dangerous to your health.
The Painkiller That Can Harm Your Kidneys
You may not realize that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, poses a significant risk to your kidneys when taken after consuming alcohol – even if you haven’t had very much to drink. A study conducted at Parker University in Dallas found that taking acetaminophen after drinking increased the risk of kidney disease by more than 100 percent.
Acetaminophen is also present in other common over-the-counter medications, such as Alka-Seltzer and Benadryl. Here’s a list of medications containing acetaminophen that you should avoid if you’ve been drinking. Many people are unaware of the risk associated with mixing alcohol and medications containing acetaminophen, but it’s essential to understand the potential dangers.
According to researcher Harrison Ndetan, people purchase acetaminophen over the counter and casually consume alcohol without realizing the harmful interaction between the two.
Why Acetaminophen Is Dangerous When Mixed With Alcohol
The reason why acetaminophen is particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol is that they’re both metabolized by the liver. When you consume alcohol, your liver is hard at work trying to break it down and process it. Adding acetaminophen into the mix puts additional strain on the liver, which can result in damage to the organ.
Furthermore, both alcohol and acetaminophen are toxic to the kidneys. When you combine the two, the risk of kidney damage increases significantly. Drinking alcohol increases the production of toxic substances in the body, and the kidneys are responsible for filtering out these toxins. Introducing acetaminophen increases the burden on the kidneys, and over time, this can result in kidney disease.
What Painkillers Are Safe to Take After Drinking Alcohol?
As a general rule, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are considered safer alternatives to acetaminophen when taken after consuming alcohol. However, it’s essential always to follow the recommended dosage and to avoid taking these medications if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, as they can cause irritation to the stomach lining.
Other Hangover Remedies and Prevention Tips
Instead of relying on painkillers to treat your hangover symptoms, consider trying out some natural remedies or prevention methods to help reduce the severity of your hangover. These may include:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water before, during, and after consuming alcohol can help to dilute the toxins in your body and prevent dehydration – a significant contributor to hangover symptoms.
- Eat a balanced meal before drinking: Consuming a meal rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats before drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol and give your body time to metabolize the toxins.
- Drink in moderation: The best way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation. Stick to one alcoholic drink per hour and alternate between alcohol and water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Choose alcohol with lower concentrations of congeners: Congeners are toxic substances found in alcohol, and drinks with higher concentrations of congeners have been linked to more severe hangovers. Opt for lighter-colored beverages like vodka, gin, or white wine, which typically have lower levels of congeners.
- Get plenty of rest: While you sleep, your body works to repair the damage done by alcohol and accelerates the healing process. Prioritize rest after a night of drinking to help your body recover.
The Bottom Line
It’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers of mixing alcohol and acetaminophen. If you find yourself with a hangover, consider safer alternatives like NSAIDs or natural remedies instead.
Always remember that the best course of action is to drink responsibly and in moderation. This way, you can enjoy the social aspect of drinking without risking your health or dealing with the unpleasant aftermath of a hangover.
