How does Excedrin interact with alcohol. What are the risks of combining Excedrin with alcohol. Why should you avoid drinking while taking Excedrin. What precautions should you take when using Excedrin and consuming alcohol.

Understanding Excedrin’s Composition and Its Effects

Excedrin is a popular over-the-counter medication used for pain relief, particularly for headaches and migraines. To fully grasp the potential interactions between Excedrin and alcohol, it’s crucial to understand its composition. Excedrin contains three active ingredients:

• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Caffeine

Each of these components plays a specific role in pain relief, but they also interact differently with alcohol. Let’s explore these interactions in detail.

The Dangers of Mixing Acetaminophen and Alcohol

Acetaminophen, one of the primary ingredients in Excedrin, can pose serious risks when combined with alcohol. The liver is responsible for metabolizing both substances, and when consumed together, they can overburden this vital organ.

Why is this combination potentially harmful? When the liver processes alcohol, it produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde. Simultaneously, it breaks down acetaminophen into a different toxic compound. The presence of both toxins can overwhelm the liver’s capacity to neutralize them effectively, leading to liver damage.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Liver Damage

It’s crucial to be aware of the signs that may indicate liver damage from combining acetaminophen and alcohol. These symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Joint pain or swelling
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Skin rash or itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming alcohol while taking Excedrin, seek medical attention immediately.

Aspirin and Alcohol: A Risky Combination for Your Stomach

The second active ingredient in Excedrin, aspirin, also presents risks when combined with alcohol. Both substances can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, potentially leading to bleeding.

How does this interaction occur? Aspirin has blood-thinning properties and can erode the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol, on the other hand, increases acid production in the stomach. When combined, these effects can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Identifying Signs of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Be vigilant for the following symptoms, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding:

• Black, tarry stools
• Bright red blood in the stool
• Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Weakness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath

If you notice any of these signs after consuming alcohol while taking Excedrin, seek immediate medical attention.

Caffeine and Alcohol: A Deceptive Combination

The third component of Excedrin, caffeine, doesn’t directly interact with alcohol in the same way as acetaminophen or aspirin. However, the combination can still pose risks.

How does caffeine affect alcohol consumption? Caffeine is a stimulant that can mask the depressant effects of alcohol. This may lead individuals to underestimate their level of intoxication, potentially resulting in poor decision-making or increased alcohol consumption.

Moreover, both caffeine and alcohol have diuretic properties, meaning they increase urine production. This can lead to dehydration, which may exacerbate hangover symptoms and increase the risk of alcohol-related health issues.

Cardiovascular Concerns: Excedrin and Alcohol’s Impact on Heart Health

While not directly related to alcohol interaction, it’s important to note that Excedrin, particularly its caffeine content, can affect cardiovascular health. This becomes especially relevant when considering alcohol’s impact on the heart.

How do these substances affect the cardiovascular system? Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, while alcohol can have variable effects on the cardiovascular system depending on the amount consumed. In some individuals, particularly those with pre-existing heart conditions, the combination of Excedrin and alcohol could potentially exacerbate cardiovascular issues.

Precautions for Individuals with Cardiovascular Conditions

If you have any of the following conditions, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before using Excedrin, especially if you consume alcohol:

• Uncompensated heart failure
• Severe coronary disease
• Hypertension
• Cardiac structural abnormalities
• Serious arrhythmias

Your doctor may need to adjust your medication or recommend alternative pain relief options that are safer for your cardiovascular health.

The Importance of Proper Dosage and Timing

When it comes to the interaction between Excedrin and alcohol, timing and dosage play crucial roles. The risk of adverse effects increases with higher doses of Excedrin and larger amounts of alcohol.

How long should you wait between taking Excedrin and consuming alcohol? While it’s best to avoid alcohol entirely when using Excedrin, if you do choose to drink, it’s advisable to wait at least 4-6 hours after taking Excedrin before consuming alcohol. This allows time for your body to metabolize the medication, reducing the risk of harmful interactions.

Guidelines for Safe Excedrin Use

To minimize risks associated with Excedrin use, follow these guidelines:

1. Never exceed the recommended dosage on the label
2. Avoid taking Excedrin for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting a doctor
3. Do not take Excedrin if you consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day
4. Always read the label and follow the instructions carefully
5. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about using Excedrin

Alternative Pain Relief Options for Alcohol Consumers

If you regularly consume alcohol and require pain relief, it’s important to explore safer alternatives to Excedrin. While it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, there are several options worth considering.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief Methods

Consider these non-drug approaches to managing pain:

• Cold or heat therapy
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Regular exercise to improve overall pain tolerance

Alternative Medications

If non-pharmacological methods aren’t sufficient, discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider:

• Ibuprofen (though this should also be used cautiously with alcohol)
• Naproxen
• Topical pain relievers
• Prescription medications designed for specific types of pain

Remember, even these alternatives may have their own interactions with alcohol, so always consult with a healthcare professional before combining any medication with alcohol consumption.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Managing Excedrin and Alcohol Use

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in helping patients navigate the complexities of medication use, including the potential interactions between Excedrin and alcohol. They can offer personalized advice based on an individual’s health status, medication regimen, and lifestyle factors.

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider

It’s important to seek professional medical advice in the following situations:

• Before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter drugs like Excedrin
• If you have a history of liver disease, stomach ulcers, or bleeding disorders
• If you’re taking other medications that may interact with Excedrin or alcohol
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have a history of alcohol abuse or dependence
• If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking Excedrin, especially if you’ve consumed alcohol

Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of using Excedrin, considering your individual health profile and alcohol consumption habits. They may recommend alternative pain management strategies or adjust your current medication regimen to ensure your safety.

Understanding the Long-Term Risks of Combining Excedrin and Alcohol

While the immediate risks of combining Excedrin and alcohol are well-documented, it’s also crucial to consider the potential long-term consequences of this interaction. Chronic misuse of these substances together can lead to serious health complications.

Liver Health Concerns

Repeated exposure to the combination of acetaminophen and alcohol can lead to chronic liver damage. Over time, this may progress to conditions such as:

• Fatty liver disease
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Cirrhosis

These conditions can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life, potentially leading to the need for a liver transplant in severe cases.

Gastrointestinal Health Risks

The long-term use of aspirin, especially when combined with regular alcohol consumption, can increase the risk of:

• Chronic gastritis
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

These conditions can cause chronic pain, nutritional deficiencies, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.

Cardiovascular Implications

While moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits, excessive drinking combined with regular use of Excedrin could potentially lead to:

• Increased blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Increased risk of stroke

These risks are particularly significant for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Developing a Safe Pain Management Strategy

Given the potential risks associated with combining Excedrin and alcohol, it’s crucial to develop a safe and effective pain management strategy. This approach should take into account your overall health, lifestyle, and specific pain needs.

Steps to Create a Safe Pain Management Plan

1. Consult with your healthcare provider to assess your pain and overall health status
2. Discuss your alcohol consumption habits openly with your doctor
3. Explore both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief options
4. Consider lifestyle changes that may help reduce pain, such as improving sleep habits or increasing physical activity
5. If medication is necessary, choose the safest option based on your individual health profile
6. Establish clear guidelines for medication use, including dosage, timing, and potential interactions
7. Regularly review and adjust your pain management plan as needed

Remember, the goal is to effectively manage your pain while minimizing potential health risks. This may involve making difficult decisions about alcohol consumption or exploring alternative pain relief methods.

The Importance of Patient Education and Awareness

Educating patients about the potential risks of combining medications like Excedrin with alcohol is crucial for promoting safe medication use. Healthcare providers, pharmacists, and public health officials all play important roles in disseminating this information.

Key Points for Patient Education

When educating patients about Excedrin and alcohol interactions, it’s important to emphasize the following points:

• The specific risks associated with each active ingredient in Excedrin
• The importance of reading medication labels and following dosage instructions
• The potential short-term and long-term consequences of misusing Excedrin and alcohol
• The signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention
• The availability of alternative pain management strategies
• The importance of open communication with healthcare providers about medication use and alcohol consumption

By empowering patients with this knowledge, we can help prevent potentially harmful medication interactions and promote safer pain management practices.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Excedrin and Alcohol

There are several misconceptions about the interaction between Excedrin and alcohol that can lead to unsafe practices. Addressing these myths is crucial for promoting proper medication use and preventing potential harm.

Myth 1: A small amount of alcohol is safe with Excedrin

Reality: Even small amounts of alcohol can interact with Excedrin’s ingredients, particularly acetaminophen and aspirin. The safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely when using Excedrin.

Myth 2: Spacing out Excedrin and alcohol consumption eliminates all risks

Reality: While spacing out consumption can reduce risks, it doesn’t eliminate them entirely. The effects of both substances can linger in your system for hours.

Myth 3: The caffeine in Excedrin counteracts the effects of alcohol

Reality: While caffeine may mask some of alcohol’s depressant effects, it doesn’t reduce blood alcohol levels or improve decision-making abilities when intoxicated.

Myth 4: Excedrin is the best cure for a hangover

Reality: Using Excedrin to treat a hangover can be dangerous, as your liver may still be processing alcohol from the previous night. Hydration and rest are safer hangover remedies.

By dispelling these myths, we can promote a more accurate understanding of the interactions between Excedrin and alcohol, leading to safer medication practices.

Excedrin and Alcohol/Food Interactions – Drugs.com

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There are 9 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Excedrin (acetaminophen / aspirin / caffeine).

Ask your doctor before using acetaminophen together with ethanol. This can cause serious side effects that affect your liver. Call your doctor immediately if you experience a fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, excessive tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash or itching, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Ask your doctor before using aspirin together with ethanol. Do not drink alcohol while taking aspirin. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by aspirin. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

CNS stimulants – cardiac disease

The use of CNS stimulants is contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in adults and children taking CNS stimulant treatment. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

References

1. “Product Information. Fastin (phentermine).” SmithKline Beecham
   (2001):
2. “Product Information. Provigil (modafinil).” Cephalon, Inc
   (2001):
3. “Product Information. Dopram (doxapram).” West Ward Pharmaceutical Corporation
   (2001):
4. “Product Information. Desoxyn (methamphetamine).” Abbott Pharmaceutical
   (2001):
5. “Product Information. Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine).” SmithKline Beecham
   (2001):
6. “Product Information. Didrex (benzphetamine).” Pharmacia and Upjohn
   (2001):
7. “Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion).” Aventis Pharmaceuticals
   (2001):
8. “Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate).” Mikart Inc
   (2001):
9. “Product Information. Concerta (methylphenidate).” Alza
   (2002):
10. “Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine).” Lilly, Eli and Company
    (2002):
11. “Product Information. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine).” Shire US Inc
    (2007):
12. “Product Information. Nuvigil (armodafinil).” Cephalon Inc
    (2007):
13. “Product Information. Phendimetrazine Tartrate SR (phendimetrazine).” Sandoz Inc
    (2012):

View all 13 references

CNS stimulants – hypertension

CNS stimulant medications have shown to increase blood pressure, and their use might be contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension. Caution should be used when administering to patients with preexisting high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. All patients under treatment should be regularly monitored for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

References

1. “Product Information. Fastin (phentermine).” SmithKline Beecham
   (2001):
2. “Product Information. Provigil (modafinil).” Cephalon, Inc
   (2001):
3. “Product Information. Dopram (doxapram).” West Ward Pharmaceutical Corporation
   (2001):
4. “Product Information. Desoxyn (methamphetamine).” Abbott Pharmaceutical
   (2001):
5. “Product Information. Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine).” SmithKline Beecham
   (2001):
6. “Product Information. Didrex (benzphetamine).” Pharmacia and Upjohn
   (2001):
7. “Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion). ” Aventis Pharmaceuticals
   (2001):
8. “Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate).” Mikart Inc
   (2001):
9. “Product Information. Concerta (methylphenidate).” Alza
   (2002):
10. “Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine).” Lilly, Eli and Company
    (2002):
11. “Product Information. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine).” Shire US Inc
    (2007):
12. “Product Information. Nuvigil (armodafinil).” Cephalon Inc
    (2007):
13. “Product Information. Phendimetrazine Tartrate SR (phendimetrazine).” Sandoz Inc
    (2012):

View all 13 references

caffeine – cardiotoxicity

Like other methylxanthines, caffeine at high dosages may be associated with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart. Caffeine may also produce an increase in systemic vascular resistance, resulting in elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with products containing caffeine should be administered cautiously in patients with severe cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or acute myocardial injury. Some clinicians recommend avoiding caffeine in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and/or palpitations and during the first several days to weeks after an acute myocardial infarction.

References

1. “Multum Information Services, Inc. Expert Review Panel”

Excedrin drug interactions

There are 466 drug interactions with Excedrin (acetaminophen / aspirin / caffeine).

Excedrin disease interactions

There are 23 disease interactions with Excedrin (acetaminophen / aspirin / caffeine) which include:

• alcoholism
• liver disease
• coagulation
• cardiac disease
• hypertension
• liver disease
• psychiatric disorders
• PUD
• asthma
• GI toxicity
• renal dysfunction
• Reye’s syndrome
• PKU
• cardiotoxicity
• bipolar disorders
• psychotic disorders
• renal dysfunction
• seizure disorders
• GERD
• anemia
• dialysis
• G-6-PD deficiency
• hepatotoxicity

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More about Excedrin (acetaminophen / aspirin / caffeine)

• Excedrin consumer information
• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Reviews (39)
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: analgesic combinations

Related treatment guides

• Migraine
• Osteoarthritis
• Pain/Fever

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major	Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate	Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor	Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown	No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Acetaminophen and alcohol: Safety and risks

It is not safe to mix acetaminophen and alcohol. Together they can irritate the stomach and, in severe cases, cause ulcers, internal bleeding, and liver damage.

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or Tylenol, is a drug people use to treat mild-to-moderate pain and fever.

In combination with alcohol, acetaminophen can cause side effects or severely damage the liver. This can also be the case when people who drink alcohol regularly take too much of this medication.

In this article, we outline the side effects and risks of taking acetaminophen and alcohol together and give tips on how to stay safe.

The liver is responsible for breaking down acetaminophen and alcohol. Due to this, excessive consumption of both alcohol and acetaminophen can have dangerous side effects.

For example, research suggests chronic alcohol consumption can worsen liver damage from acetaminophen overdose.

However, most negative side effects occur due to excessive consumption of both. It is typically safe to drink a small amount of alcohol while taking this pain reliever.

Acetaminophen alone can cause toxic damage to the liver, which is called acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. This toxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the U.S. It accounts for around 56,000 hospital visits per year.

Acetaminophen is metabolized in two ways. Firstly, the body processes around 90% of the drug via a process called glucuronidation. This process does not produce any dangerous byproducts.

Secondly, the CYP2E1 liver enzyme breaks down around 5-10% of the drug. This process produces a toxin called NAPQI. In response, the liver produces an antioxidant called glutathione, which the body uses to remove the toxin before it can build up and cause liver damage.

When alcohol enters the picture, it increases the activity of CYP2E1, so the body produces more of the NAPQI toxin. Alcohol also decreases glutathione production, meaning NAPQI is more likely to build up in the liver in dangerous concentrations.

Taking acetaminophen at high doses or together with alcohol can cause several side effects. This risk of severe side effects may be higher for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Possible side effects of taking acetaminophen and alcohol together include:

• stomach upset
• bleeding and ulcers
• liver damage
• a rapid heartbeat

According to the U. S. National Library of Medicine, taking acetaminophen can be dangerous for people who regularly drink alcohol.

A 2016 review highlights that the risk of acetaminophen-induced liver damage is higher for individuals who have AUD and also overdose on acetaminophen.

However, there is no scientific evidence that people with AUD who take the recommended dose of acetaminophen increase their risk of liver damage.

Damage to the liver can impair its ability to carry out vital functions. Not only does this organ filter out toxins from the blood, but it assists with blood clotting and plays an essential role in food digestion.

Around half of all acetaminophen overdoses are unintentional. They mainly occur when people take acetaminophen alongside certain opioid drugs in an attempt to relieve pain.

People can reduce their risk of liver damage by taking the following precautions:

• taking no more than the maximum daily dose of 3,000 mg, or 650-1,000mg every 4-6 hours for adults
• checking other medications to see if they contain acetaminophen
• taking only one acetaminophen-containing product at a time

Acetaminophen overdose can cause acute liver damage, failure, and death in the most severe cases.

The symptoms of liver damage include:

• jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
• pain in the upper right side of the abdomen or below the ribcage
• swelling of the abdomen
• nausea and vomiting
• excessive sweating
• appetite loss
• tiredness
• confusion
• unusual bruising or bleeding of the skin

Popular alternatives to acetaminophen include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen. People can safely take acetaminophen and NSAIDs at the same time.

NSAIDs work slightly differently from acetaminophen as they not only relieve pain but also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Taking NSAIDs along with alcohol is typically safe, although side effects can include an upset stomach. Aspirin and alcohol may cause bleeding.

Drinking alcohol in moderation while taking acetaminophen should generally be safe as long as a person takes acetaminophen as advised and does not exceed the recommended dose.

Excessive consumption of either, or both, can cause potentially severe, and even fatal, side effects.

7 hangover remedies | Forbes Life

December 31, 2009

• Forbes Life

• Maureen Farrell

  Author

American colleagues shared their secrets with us

Hangover cures are difficult to test in a clinical setting – for this you would have to force several thousand people to voluntarily doom themselves to terrible torment. Science knows who suffers more the morning after a party (women and Asians) and which drinks cause the most severe anguish (whiskey and wine; vodka and gin are much more harmless). It is also known that the worse the hangover, the more you drink, at risk are people who have emptied five glasses, glasses or glasses in the evening. Then exact knowledge ends and traditions begin. As part of an international exchange – 7 ways to deal with a hangover from the American edition of Forbes.

Veer

Water!

No matter how strange it may sound, drinking dehydrates the body. For example, beer, although it consists almost entirely of water, affects the functioning of the kidneys – as a result, more fluid is lost than is taken in. A lot of water the morning after a party is an effective remedy, but it is even better to drink a few glasses right during the feast.

Veer

Painkillers

Everyone has their favorite pill, be it aspirin, ibuprofen or whatever. Painkillers do relieve pain, but it’s worth remembering that some of them do not mix well with alcohol, especially Tylenol and Excedrin, which contain caffeine. Use them with care.

DR

Vitamins B6 and B12

Lack of vitamins B6 and B12 can exacerbate hangover symptoms, says Dr. Katz, director of the Center for Disease Prevention at Yale University. The reason is that alcohol inhibits the absorption of vitamins in the intestines. If you take them in the morning, the hangover may pass faster. But do not abuse, the doctor reminds: a constant overabundance of these vitamins can lead to unpleasant neurological consequences.

DR

Haejangguk

Haejangguk means “hangover soup” in Korean. On weekend mornings, street vendors in Korea deliver it from their carts. The ingredients of the soup are inconsistent, but always include cow bones and blood. And a few more spices, from which any European will go stained. But let the tongue burn better than the head splits. If there is no Korean restaurant nearby, any spicy soup will do.

DR

Rosiglitazone

Do you know diabetics? They might have a bottle of rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone raises blood glucose levels and slightly alleviates morning pain. But don’t expect it to be sold in pharmacies as a hangover remedy: diabetics are not recommended to drink. And of course, check with your doctor first.

Veer

Prickly pear extract

There is no water in the desert, but there is another good hangover cure. A recent study found that prickly pear cactus extract alleviated some of the hangover symptoms of nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. The headache isn’t going anywhere, though, so a pill might still come in handy.

Veer

Similar to similar

There is a legend that a sip or two in the morning relieves a hangover. But we are not the type to push our readers down the slippery slope of alcohol addiction. Our alternative: good scrambled eggs and bacon.

Combination of food, alcohol and drugs

“Everything new is well-forgotten old” – this is how a well-known proverb says. You can see how food intake affects co-administered medications in one of the publications for the Russian Medical Journal at the link

https://vk.com/wall-30406995_4918 . But not everything has been said on the topic of food-drug interactions!

Why is it generally important to pay attention to the intake of medicine in relation to food? It would seem that the pill has already entered the body and should work. At a minimum, the speed of the onset of the effect may suffer – for example, it is better to take PARACETAMOL not immediately, but 1-2 hours after the last meal, otherwise the drug will act more slowly [1,6].

With respect to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the situation is mixed. In particular, in some publications you may find a dilemma – to take them before or during / after meals [2,4]. The fact is that this group of drugs can have an ulcerogenic effect. It is mediated by blockade of COX-1 type, which is responsible for the production of protective prostaglandins, blood supply and repair of the gastric mucosa. In addition, contact irritation and mucosal injury are mentioned when NSAIDs are taken on an empty stomach. On the one hand, taking during / after a meal can prevent at least one of the mechanisms of undesirable effects on the gastrointestinal tract, on the other hand, it will delay the onset of the so-called. peak concentrations of the analgesic in the blood, and hence the beginning of its analgesic effect. There is no single answer among experts. Therefore, always at hand as a guide to action – instructions for medical use: for example, diclofenac (in the enteric coating) is recommended to be taken before meals, ibuprofen, meloxicam, ketoprofen, dexketoprofen – during meals, nimesulide – after meals, etoricoxib, celecoxib – regardless from eating [6].

Among other things, food can affect bioavailability (i.e., the percentage of absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract into the systemic circulation). Therefore, taking the medicine “30 minutes before meals” is by no means a whim of the manufacturer, but an important condition for the effectiveness of the drug. After all, if food products reduce the concentration of the drug in the blood, then it will act worse. But if you make a mix of many of your favorite CAFFEINE and paracetamol in one tablet, then such a drug will, on the contrary, act faster, because. caffeine increases the bioavailability of the analgesic [6].

ANTIBIOTICS and alcohol

A well-known excuse (I drink antibiotics) is an excuse not to drink at the festivities … is there any reason for it? Yes, this is the so-called. disulfiram-like reaction. It takes its name from the name of the drug – Disulfiram – which is used to treat alcoholism. The essence of its action is the inhibition (i. e., suspension / slowdown) of acetaldehyde, which is involved in the metabolism of ethanol in the blood. As a result of a malfunction of the enzyme, acetaldehyde accumulates, causing nausea, vomiting, headache, tachycardia, lowering blood pressure, and flushing of the face. The same effect develops when taking such antimicrobial and antiprotozoal drugs as metronidazole, ornidazole, tinidazole, drugs of the nitrofuran group (nitrofurantoin, furazolidone), as well as a number of cephalosporin antibiotics (cefoperazone, cefamandol, much less often – ceftriaxone) and antifungal drugs – ketoconazole [3,5,6].

The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy depends on many factors. Don’t forget to inform patients about the correct way to take medication – before/during/after/regardless of meals!

Litvinenko Polina Igorevna, clinical pharmacologist

Information sources:

1. Bushra R, Aslam N, Khan AY. Food-friend interactions. Oman Med J. 2011;26(2):77-83. doi:10.5001/omj.