Can you safely mix Tylenol PM with alcohol. What are the potential risks of combining acetaminophen and diphenhydramine with alcoholic beverages. How does alcohol consumption affect the liver when taking Tylenol PM. What precautions should be taken when using this medication.

The Composition and Purpose of Tylenol PM

Tylenol PM is a combination medication containing two active ingredients: acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that causes drowsiness, making it useful as a sleep aid. This combination is designed to provide pain relief while helping users fall asleep more easily.

Key Components of Tylenol PM

• Acetaminophen: Pain reliever and fever reducer
• Diphenhydramine: Antihistamine with sedative properties

Understanding the composition of Tylenol PM is crucial when considering its interaction with alcohol. Both active ingredients can potentially interact with alcoholic beverages, leading to various health risks.

Alcohol and Acetaminophen: A Dangerous Combination

Mixing alcohol with acetaminophen, the primary pain-relieving component in Tylenol PM, can have serious consequences for liver health. The liver is responsible for metabolizing both substances, and when combined, they can overwhelm its capacity to process toxins effectively.

How does alcohol enhance acetaminophen’s liver toxicity? Alcohol consumption activates certain enzymes in the liver that convert acetaminophen into a toxic compound. This process occurs to some degree even without alcohol, but drinking significantly amplifies the production of this harmful byproduct.

Potential Risks of Combining Alcohol and Acetaminophen

• Increased risk of liver damage
• Accelerated production of toxic metabolites
• Reduced liver’s ability to process toxins
• Heightened risk of acute liver failure in severe cases

Given these risks, healthcare professionals strongly advise against consuming alcohol while taking any medication containing acetaminophen, including Tylenol PM.

The Impact of Alcohol on Diphenhydramine’s Effects

Diphenhydramine, the sleep-inducing component of Tylenol PM, also interacts with alcohol in potentially harmful ways. Both substances have central nervous system depressant effects, meaning they slow down brain activity. When combined, these effects can be dangerously amplified.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking diphenhydramine? No, it is not recommended. The combination can lead to excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, and decreased alertness. These effects can be particularly dangerous if you need to perform tasks requiring concentration, such as driving or operating machinery.

Risks Associated with Alcohol and Diphenhydramine Interaction

1. Extreme drowsiness and sedation
2. Impaired motor skills and coordination
3. Decreased cognitive function and reaction time
4. Increased risk of accidents and injuries
5. Potential for respiratory depression in severe cases

The combination of alcohol and diphenhydramine can significantly impair your ability to function safely, making it crucial to avoid this mixture.

Liver Health and the Combined Effects of Tylenol PM and Alcohol

The liver plays a central role in metabolizing both alcohol and the components of Tylenol PM. When these substances are combined, the liver’s ability to process them efficiently is compromised, potentially leading to serious health issues.

How does chronic alcohol use affect acetaminophen metabolism? Regular alcohol consumption can lead to the induction of certain liver enzymes, which may increase the production of toxic acetaminophen metabolites even when alcohol is not actively present in the system. This means that individuals who drink regularly may be at higher risk of liver damage from acetaminophen, even if they don’t consume alcohol and the medication simultaneously.

Factors Influencing Liver Risk

• Frequency and amount of alcohol consumption
• Dosage of acetaminophen taken
• Existing liver conditions or damage
• Individual variations in metabolism
• Concurrent use of other medications

It’s important to note that liver damage can occur even with therapeutic doses of acetaminophen in individuals who consume alcohol regularly or have underlying liver issues.

Recognizing Signs of Liver Damage

Given the potential for liver damage when mixing Tylenol PM and alcohol, it’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs that may indicate liver problems. Early detection and intervention can be key to preventing serious complications.

What symptoms might indicate liver damage from acetaminophen and alcohol interaction? Look out for the following signs:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Chronic fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Easy bruising or bleeding

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially after using Tylenol PM and consuming alcohol, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment can be crucial in managing potential liver damage.

Safe Usage Guidelines for Tylenol PM

To minimize the risks associated with Tylenol PM, it’s essential to follow safe usage guidelines. These precautions can help protect your liver and overall health while still benefiting from the medication’s intended effects.

Key Safety Measures for Tylenol PM Use

1. Avoid alcohol consumption when taking Tylenol PM
2. Do not exceed the recommended dosage
3. Be aware of other medications that may contain acetaminophen
4. Consult a healthcare provider if you have existing liver conditions
5. Avoid long-term use without medical supervision
6. Do not operate vehicles or machinery while under the influence of Tylenol PM
7. Store the medication out of reach of children

How long should you wait to drink alcohol after taking Tylenol PM? It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your last dose before consuming any alcoholic beverages. This allows time for the medication to be metabolized and eliminated from your system.

Alternatives and Considerations for Pain and Sleep Management

If you’re concerned about the potential risks of using Tylenol PM, especially if you consume alcohol, there are alternative approaches to managing pain and sleep issues. It’s important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to find the most appropriate solution for your individual needs.

Potential Alternatives to Tylenol PM

• Non-pharmacological sleep aids (e.g., relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene practices)
• Melatonin supplements for sleep regulation
• Non-acetaminophen pain relievers (under medical guidance)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
• Natural remedies like chamomile tea or valerian root (consult with a healthcare provider first)

Remember that any alternative treatments should be discussed with a medical professional, especially if you have ongoing health conditions or take other medications.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While understanding the risks and safe usage of Tylenol PM is important, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary. Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

In which situations should you seek immediate medical attention when using Tylenol PM? Contact a healthcare professional if:

• You’ve accidentally consumed alcohol while taking Tylenol PM
• You experience symptoms of liver damage or allergic reactions
• You’re unsure about potential drug interactions with other medications
• You have chronic pain or sleep issues that aren’t improving with over-the-counter solutions
• You have a history of liver disease or alcohol abuse
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding and considering using Tylenol PM

Remember, your healthcare provider is the best source of personalized advice regarding medication use and potential interactions. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns or questions about Tylenol PM or its use in conjunction with alcohol.

Tylenol PM and Alcohol/Food Interactions

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There are 2 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Tylenol PM (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine).

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 diphenhydrAMINE together with ethanol. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking diphenhydrAMINE. You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination. 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.

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Tylenol PM drug interactions

There are 500 drug interactions with Tylenol PM (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine).

Tylenol PM disease interactions

There are 11 disease interactions with Tylenol PM (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) which include:

• alcoholism
• liver disease
• depression
• PKU
• anticholinergic effects
• asthma/COPD
• cardiovascular
• renal/liver disease
• glaucoma
• liver disease
• resp depression

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More about Tylenol PM (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine)

• Tylenol PM consumer information
• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Reviews (36)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: analgesic combinations
• En español

Related treatment guides

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Pain

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

Can You Take Tylenol with Alcohol?

Alcohol and acetaminophen — the active ingredient of Tylenol — can negatively affect the liver when taken on their own. When they are mixed, however, the synergistic effect they have on the liver multiplies the potential damage⁴ that they can cause. 

Alcohol alone can put a significant strain on the liver. Many types of drugs should not be taken with alcohol because of potential negative interactions, many of which affect the liver. Ultimately, mixing any substance with alcohol is not recommended unless you first consult with your doctor about potential drug interactions and effects.

What Is Tylenol?

Tylenol is a brand name for the generic drug acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that can also help to reduce fevers. Some types of Tylenol may include other drugs as part of its formulation — for example, Tylenol PM is a combination of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine.

There are also drugs that contain acetaminophen but are not labeled as Tylenol. Regardless, any drug containing acetaminophen should generally not be mixed with alcohol.

Acetaminophen Side Effects

Acetaminophen use can lead to liver damage, even when alcohol is not used. This is rare in healthy individuals who follow acetaminophen dosage instructions. However, it may occur in people who take acetaminophen in excess or have certain underlying health conditions, especially ones affecting the liver. 

Side effects with acetaminophen³ are uncommon, but they may include:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Itching
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin 
• Decreased appetite
• Headache

If you are having side effects with acetaminophen, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor. These effects can sometimes indicate liver damage.

Related Topic: Why Does Alcohol Make You Pee?

Tylenol and Alcohol Interaction

Tylenol and alcohol are both foreign chemicals to the body, and the body breaks down both of these chemicals by using the liver. While each substance individually puts some strain on the liver, the strain multiplies when both are used together. This makes it harder for the liver to break down these substances, which causes higher levels of each substance to remain in the liver. This can potentially lead to irreversible liver damage⁴.

While light drinking paired with normal Tylenol use may not have a large effect, someone who is using too much Tylenol or drinking heavily or frequently may experience more significant liver problems.

Effects of Alcohol and Tylenol

Liver damage is normally permanent, and the only way to cure it is to get a liver transplant. Some of the symptoms of liver damage include:

• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• Confusion
• Ulcers
• Changes in stool color
• Bleeding or bruising easily
• Swelling in the legs and feet
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

If you are having any of these symptoms, especially after using alcohol and Tylenol together, then you should see a doctor. These can indicate that liver damage from alcohol has occurred and that you will need medical care.

Alternatives to Acetaminophen

Tylenol is one of two common types of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. The other major type of OTC pain medication is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This class of drug includes Aleve, ibuprofen and aspirin. These drugs are normally safer to use with alcohol, but they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even bleeding in those with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. There are also prescription pain medications that may be safer to use with alcohol. 

Ultimately, you should always consult with your doctor before using any medication at the same time as alcohol.

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FAQs

How long after taking Tylenol can I drink alcohol?

You should consult with a doctor to see what is best in your specific situation, but in most cases, it may be safe to take Tylenol 24 hours or more after using alcohol.

Can you take Tylenol with alcohol?

A healthy person may be able to safely use Tylenol¹ while drinking lightly and infrequently, but even then, safety is not guaranteed. Typically, mixing Tylenol and alcohol should be avoided unless instructed by a doctor.

Does Tylenol interact with alcohol?

Tylenol and alcohol do not necessarily interact with each other; instead, they both act on the liver. This is what creates the negative effect of combining the two substances.

Tylenol™ – instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug:

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Analogs

All forms of release, dosages, registration certificates, drug manufacturers, drug characteristics

Product Description Tylenol™ Caplets (caplets), 500 mg) based on the label, approved by the manufacturer in 2000

Approval date: 07/31/2000

Content

• Active substance
• ATX
• Pharmacological group
• Nosological classification (ICD-10)
• Composition and form of release
• pharmachologic effect
• pharmachologic effect
• Indications
• Contraindications
• Use during pregnancy and lactation
• Dosage and administration
• Side effects
• Precautionary measures
• Storage conditions
• Best before date
• Reviews

Active ingredient

Paracetamol* (Paracetamol*)

ATX

N02BE01 Paracetamol

Pharmacological group

Anilides

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

ICD-10 code list

Composition and formulation

1 caplet contains paracetamol 500 mg; in a blister 10 pcs. , in a box 1 blister or in strips of 2 pcs., in a box 50 strips.

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action –

analgesic , antipyretic .

Inhibits cyclooxygenase, inhibits the synthesis of PG in the central nervous system and their stimulating effect on the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus; increases heat transfer.

Inhibits cyclooxygenase, inhibits the synthesis of PG in the central nervous system and their stimulating effect on the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus; increases heat transfer.

Indications

Pain of mild to moderate intensity (including headache, toothache, sore throat and general malaise), fever.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, severe impairment of liver and kidney function, deficiency of glucose−6-phosphate dehydrogenase, children’s age (up to 12 years).

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Acceptable, but only on medical prescription.

Dosage and Administration

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

Inside, 2 caplets 3-4 times a day, but not more than 8 caplets per day.

Side effects

In rare cases, nausea, abdominal pain, allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, urticaria).

Precautions

Do not use more than 10 days for pain and 3 days as an antipyretic. It should not be taken together with other drugs containing paracetamol.

Storage conditions

At a temperature of 15–30 °C.

Keep out of reach of children.

Expiry date

4 years.

Do not use after the expiry date which is stated on the pack.

Update date: 11/21/2018

Reviews

Read all reviews and leave your own.

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

Tylenol PM | 59 factors

66 points

Tylenol PM

Tylenol PM

Why is Tylenol PM better than others?

• Paracetamol?
  500mg vs 175. 77mg
• Tablets per pack?
  100 vs 44.37
• Dosage period?
  14 vs 7.75
• Shelf life?
  36months vs 31.6months
• Diphenhydramine?
  25mg vs 0.48mg

Tylenol PM

vs

Tylenol Extra Strength

Tylenol PM

vs

Tylenol Regular Strength

Tylenol PM

vs

Tylenol Arthritis Pain

Tylenol PM

vs

Tempra Infant Drops

Tylenol PM

vs

Panadol Night

Tylenol PM

vs

Excedrin PM

Tylenol PM

vs

Aleve GelCaps

Tylenol PM

90 002 vs

Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain Severe

Tylenol PM

vs

Motrin PM

Tylenol PM

vs

Advil

9001 9 Composition

ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The analgesic effect of ibuprofen takes effect immediately, however, the anti-inflammatory effects can last up to a week.

paracetamol

Paracetamol (acetaminophen in the US) is classified as a mild analgesic. It suppresses the feeling of pain, but does not treat the cause.

aspirin

Aspirin can be used as an analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent.

caffeine

Studies have shown that caffeine can increase the effectiveness of many analgesics, resulting in better, faster pain relief.

codeine

Codeine is an opiate used to treat mild to moderate pain. Opioids can change mood, sometimes resulting in a feeling of euphoria. It may be helpful in relieving pain, but addiction and withdrawal symptoms may occur.

Has more than one active ingredient

✔Tylenol PM

Product contains more than one active ingredient. These combinations usually complement each other, and sometimes one ingredient can enhance the effectiveness of another.

naproxin

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory that can be used to treat a variety of pain symptoms.

Effects

Toothache

✔Tylenol PM

Toothache is pain in and around the teeth and jaw, often caused by caries.

Anti-Inflammatory

✖Tylenol PM

Anti-inflammatory drugs are especially good for muscle and joint pain as they not only block the pain, but also treat the cause.

Antipyretic (reduces body temperature)

✔Tylenol PM

Antipyretic drugs help to reduce body temperature. This helps patients feel better, however, this is not always recommended as fever may be a natural defense against infections.

Rheumatic pain

✖Tylenol PM

Rheumatic pain is pain in the joints and connective tissue, most commonly caused by arthritis.

Muscle pain

✔Tylenol PM

Muscle pain can be caused by exercise or other stress, and infections such as the flu.

Migraine

✔ Tylenol PM

Migraine is a very severe headache often accompanied by other symptoms such as flickering light, blind spots, tingling and sensitivity to light.