Can You Take Tylenol with Alcohol?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a common over-the-counter medication for minor aches and fever due to its effectiveness and safety profile.

Although Tylenol is often regarded as safe, there are a few instances when you would want to be more cautious before taking it. One of them involves drinking alcohol.

What Is Tylenol?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) belongs to the class of drugs known as analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It is widely available without a prescription.

In addition to lowering fever, acetaminophen is used to treat minor aches such as, headaches, back pain, menstrual cramps, muscular pain, joint pain, colds, sore throats, and toothaches. As a pain reliever, Tylenol is also a common treatment option for osteoarthritis.

Acetaminophen works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. It is generally considered safe when taken as directed, but it is important to follow dosage instructions carefully and to avoid taking more than the recommended amount.

Tylenol is not just a popular medicine, it is also a frequent component in many other over-the-counter medications, such as NyQuil and Excedrin. It is also found in other drugs, particularly prescription drugs, that help alleviate pain (Percocet and Vicodin).

Tylenol Side Effects

Allergic Reactions

Tylenol has caused allergic responses in some individuals in rare situations. If you notice any of the following allergic reactions after taking acetaminophen, call your doctor right away:

• Hives

• Severe itching

• Swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Peeling or blistering skin

Liver Damage

The most serious adverse effect is liver damage, which only occurs if you take too much Tylenol. Tylenol is processed by your liver and changed into another substance. When you consume a lot of Tylenol, your liver works hard to convert more of the drug. When there is too much toxic substance, it can lead to liver damage. However, if you take the recommended amount, the risk of liver damage is unlikely. 

The following are signs of liver damage:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen

• Yellowing of the skin or in the whites of the eyes (known as jaundice)

• Pale skin

• Fatigue

• Sweating more than usual

• Unusual bruising or abnormal bleeding

• Dark, tarry stools

• Dark or tea-colored urine

• Abdomen swelling

If you have any unusual side effects while taking this medicine, seek help from licensed medical professionals immediately.

How Often Can You Take Tylenol?

For adults and children aged 12 and above, take two tablets of 325 mg of Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours as long as symptoms persist. Unless otherwise ordered by a doctor, do not exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours, and do not take for more than 10 days.

Ingestion of more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period may result in severe liver damage. Do not exceed the maximum dosage; take just one product containing acetaminophen at a time. Always read and follow the product label and instructions, and talk to a qualified healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Taking Tylenol and Alcohol

In the U.S., more than 60 million Americans consume acetaminophen on a weekly basis, and many are unaware that it is contained in combined products. Additionally, the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that during the survey period, 51.7% of adults aged 18 and above reported consuming alcohol. Because of how widespread Tylenol and alcohol use are, it might be simple to overlook that combining the two can be hazardous to health.

Generally speaking, a healthy person can take the normal dose of Tylenol safely while indulging in moderate, infrequent drinking. If you’re planning on having a few drinks, it is important to note that only moderate drinking is safe if you’re taking Tylenol; excessive drinking is off-limits. According to the CDC, moderate drinking means women can have a daily alcohol limit of one drink, while men can have a daily alcohol limit of two.

You should also seek professional medical advice to prevent consequences, especially if you have existing health problems.

Effects of Mixing Tylenol and Alcohol

Alcohol and Tylenol do not necessarily interact with each other. Instead, they both have an impact on the liver. This is what causes the two substances to have negative effects when mixed. The liver metabolizes both Tylenol and alcohol when combined. Alcohol can also alter how acetaminophen is metabolized and raise the risk of liver disease (hepatotoxicity) and kidney disease.

Tylenol can have many adverse consequences when taken in excessive dosages or combined with heavy alcohol drinking. People with alcohol use disorder may be more vulnerable to these severe side effects.

The potential negative effects of combining Tylenol with alcoholic beverages include liver damage, stomach upset, abnormal bleeding, ulcers, and a rapid heartbeat.

The Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Tylenol

Drinking too much alcohol for prolonged periods may result in liver damage. Similarly, taking too much Tylenol at once or on a daily basis may induce liver damage. With that being said, it is clear that liver health is the main issue when mixing these two.

Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the U.S. It is responsible for about 56,000 hospital visits annually.

Those who frequently drink alcohol should avoid using acetaminophen because they have an increased risk of liver problems.

If you struggle with alcohol use disorder, seeking assistance from a medical professional can help you with proper pain management and treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Learning More About Tylenol Abuse

Medical practitioners caution against Tylenol abuse. Each year, acetaminophen-related liver disease sends thousands of individuals to the hospital. Acetaminophen overdoses can cause irreversible liver damage or even death.

Adults should not consume more than 1000 mg at once or 4000 mg in a 24-hour period to avoid acetaminophen overdose and its adverse reactions. Moreover, do not mix Tylenol with other pain medications to prevent overdose since some of these medications also contain acetaminophen.

Frequently Asked Questions