How does alcohol interact with Excedrin. What are the potential risks of combining Excedrin and alcohol. When should you avoid mixing Excedrin with alcoholic beverages. What precautions should be taken when using Excedrin and consuming alcohol.

Understanding Excedrin’s Active Ingredients

Excedrin is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat headaches and migraines. To comprehend the potential interactions between Excedrin and alcohol, it’s crucial to first understand its active ingredients:

• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Caffeine

Each of these components can interact differently with alcohol, potentially leading to various health concerns.

The Dangers of Mixing Acetaminophen and Alcohol

One of the primary concerns when combining Excedrin and alcohol is the interaction between acetaminophen and ethanol. This combination can have serious implications for liver health.

How does acetaminophen affect the liver?

Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver. When taken in recommended doses, it’s generally safe. However, excessive amounts can lead to liver damage.

Why is alcohol a risk factor?

Alcohol also requires liver processing. When consumed alongside acetaminophen, it can overwhelm the liver’s ability to metabolize both substances effectively, potentially leading to liver damage.

Signs of liver problems to watch for include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Joint pain or swelling
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Abnormal 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 combining Excedrin and alcohol, seek medical attention immediately.

Aspirin and Alcohol: A Risky Combination

The aspirin component in Excedrin also poses risks when combined with alcohol consumption.

What are the potential complications?

Aspirin has blood-thinning properties, which can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Alcohol can exacerbate this effect, potentially leading to serious gastrointestinal issues.

Warning signs of stomach bleeding include:

• Black, bloody, or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood
• Vomit that resembles coffee grounds

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Caffeine and Alcohol: A Deceptive Duo

While the interaction between caffeine and alcohol in Excedrin may seem less severe, it’s still worth considering.

How does caffeine affect alcohol consumption?

Caffeine can mask some of the depressant effects of alcohol, potentially leading to overconsumption. This combination may cause individuals to underestimate their level of intoxication, leading to risky behaviors.

Professional Recommendations for Excedrin and Alcohol Use

Given the potential risks associated with combining Excedrin and alcohol, healthcare professionals typically advise against it. Here are some key recommendations:

1. Consult your doctor before using acetaminophen or aspirin with alcohol.
2. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Excedrin.
3. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, follow their instructions carefully and undergo any recommended tests.
4. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
5. Never stop or start medications without consulting your doctor first.

Excedrin and Cardiovascular Concerns

While not directly related to alcohol interactions, it’s important to note that the stimulant effects of caffeine in Excedrin can have implications for cardiovascular health.

Who should exercise caution with Excedrin?

Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should be particularly cautious when using Excedrin. This includes people with:

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

In some cases, the use of CNS stimulants like caffeine may be contraindicated for these individuals. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using Excedrin if you have any cardiovascular concerns.

Monitoring Your Health While Using Excedrin

Whether or not you consume alcohol, it’s essential to be aware of your body’s response to Excedrin. Regular monitoring can help identify any potential issues early on.

What should you watch for?

Pay attention to changes in:

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Cardiovascular symptoms (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath)
• Digestive symptoms (e.g., stomach pain, nausea)
• Neurological symptoms (e.g., severe headaches, dizziness)

If you notice any concerning changes or symptoms, discontinue use of Excedrin and consult your healthcare provider promptly.

Alternatives to Excedrin for Pain Relief

If you’re concerned about the potential interactions between Excedrin and alcohol, or if you have underlying health conditions that make Excedrin use risky, there are alternative pain relief options to consider.

What are some Excedrin alternatives?

Some potential alternatives include:

1. Single-ingredient pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
2. Non-pharmacological approaches (e.g., cold/hot compresses, relaxation techniques)
3. Prescription medications specifically designed for migraine relief
4. Natural remedies (e.g., peppermint oil, ginger)

Always consult with a healthcare professional before switching medications or trying new treatments, especially if you have chronic pain or recurrent headaches.

Understanding the potential interactions between Excedrin and alcohol is crucial for safe and effective pain management. By being informed and cautious, you can make better decisions about your health and minimize the risk of adverse effects. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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.