What Is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is a medication used to treat both pain and fever. Acetaminophen blocks the production of chemicals called prostaglandins that help to create pain signals. Prostaglandins also play a role in increasing body temperature. When these chemicals are blocked, it can lead to reduced pain and a regular body temperature.
Tylenol is one of the most commonly used and widely available over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. When most people refer to Tylenol, they are actually referring to acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol. Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen, and there are several other types of medications that use the same brand name, such as Tylenol PM. Many of these other medications are mixtures that combine acetaminophen with other drugs.
Acetaminophen and Alcohol
Most people who drink alcohol know that the substance may interact with other medications, especially prescription drugs. However, many people are unaware of whether it’s safe to take Tylenol while using alcohol and do it anyway.
Alcohol can cause hangovers, and many people consider using Tylenol to treat the headache that often accompanies a hangover. Those who drink alcohol and then use Tylenol for another reason (like a headache or joint pain) may also inadvertently mix the two without realizing they have done so. This can lead to dangerous side effects if too much of either substance is used.
Health Risks of Mixing Tylenol and Alcohol
The risks of mixing alcohol and Tylenol vary significantly based on how much of each substance is used. The amount and frequency of alcohol use can also affect these risks. For example, someone who has two or more standard drinks a day may be at greater risk for health problems when combining both substances.
A “standard drink” refers to a drink that contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. This standardization helps people to understand how much alcohol they have had. A standard drink for different alcoholic beverages would generally be:
- 12 oz of regular beer
- 8–9 oz of malt liquor
- 5 oz of wine
- 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (gin, rum, whisky, vodka, etc.)
You may be at greater risk when using Tylenol if:
- You are a man who drinks more than three standard drinks per day
- You are a woman who drinks more than two standard drinks per day
- You binge drink, meaning you have several standard drinks in one sitting
Liver Damage
Alcohol is a toxin, and the liver processes alcohol to help the body get rid of it. Alcohol use can cause liver damage, especially when larger amounts of alcohol are used. Tylenol is also processed in the liver. While the liver does not typically struggle to process normal doses of Tylenol, taking too much or using it chronically can lead to liver problems.
While alcohol and Tylenol can both cause liver damage on their own, the effects can multiply when both substances are used together. The liver has a finite ability to process chemicals, and when both substances are combined, they multiply the stress on the liver. This can lead to a greater buildup of toxins as well as permanent liver damage.
Kidney Disease
While Tylenol usually does not significantly affect the kidneys, it can in large doses. Alcohol use is dehydrating, and less hydration being supplied to the kidneys also raises the risk of kidney damage. When these two substances are combined, alcohol can make the kidneys more susceptible to Tylenol’s effects, leading to acute or chronic kidney injury. While this effect is possible, liver damage is far more likely.
What Increases the Risks?
The risks of mixing Tylenol and alcohol are higher when larger doses of either substance are used. You should always use Tylenol how the label says to use it or as instructed by your doctor. Even Tylenol by itself can lead to irreparable liver damage when used in large doses.
Tylenol and Moderate Alcohol Use
If a person does not use alcohol every day and then takes a normal dose of Tylenol with one or two drinks, they will be less likely to experience harmful effects. This is not to say that it is safe — there can still be harmful effects, even when used in this more limited situation. People who are underweight, are older or have underlying kidney or liver problems may be at a greater risk of developing long-term problems in these situations.
Tylenol and Excessive Alcohol Use
When Tylenol is used by someone who drinks excessively, the risk becomes much more substantial. Excessive drinking often leads to liver problems, and Tylenol use in addition to heavy alcohol use will only accelerate potential damage to the liver. If you are considered a heavy drinker, you should avoid using Tylenol without consulting a doctor first.
Can I Drink Alcohol if I Take Tylenol Regularly?
When a healthy person is using Tylenol for prolonged periods of time, drinking a small amount of alcohol is generally safe if the Tylenol is being used according to the label’s instructions. However, it may still lead to health problems, especially in someone who has underlying health problems or is older.