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Paracetamol is the most commonly used pain reliever and fever reducer. Although it is a relatively safe drug, like other drugs, paracetamol has interactions that need to be used with caution. One of them is the interaction between paracetamol and alcohol.1. Overview of Paracetamol-containing drugs
Paracetamol is the most used pain reliever and fever reducer in the world. In the US and Canada, Paracetamol is also known as Acetaminophen. The antipyretic effect of Paracetamol is due to the drug acting on the hypothalamus causing hypothermia, increased heat loss due to vasodilation and increased peripheral blood flow. With therapeutic doses, paracetamol has little impact on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, does not alter acid-base balance, does not cause irritation, ulceration or gastric bleeding. Therefore, Paracetamol is an antipyretic and pain reliever, especially suitable for the elderly, children, people with contraindications to taking salicylates or other NSAIDs.Paracetamol pain reliever has many different dosage forms such as tablets, effervescent tablets, long-acting tablets, suppositories for anal use, packages for mixing oral solutions, infusion forms, ... Paracetamol is relatively safe when taken in therapeutic doses under the direction of a doctor. However, like other drugs, Paracetamol has drug interactions that require extreme caution when used. One of the interactions to be aware of for safe drug use is the interaction between Paracetamol and alcohol.
MORE: Hepatotoxicity of paracetamol
Paracetamol có tác dụng giảm đau hiệu quả
2. Interactions between Paracetamol-alcohol and liver problems
Although it is a relatively safe drug, when taken in excess, Paracetamol can cause severe liver damage. In alcoholics, the risk of hepatotoxicity with paracetamol is increased. Although rare, it can cause very serious conditions such as fatal hepatitis or severe liver failure near a liver transplant. The mechanism of this phenomenon is believed to be that chronic alcoholism induces enzymes in the liver microsomes, which will speed up the metabolism of paracetamol-containing drugs, and at the same time increase the production of substances harmful to the liver.
If the patient is addicted to alcohol during treatment with Paracetamol, symptoms such as fever, chills, joint pain, swelling, fatigue, rash, itchy skin, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin , yellow eyes , ... immediately notify the doctor for timely intervention.
MORE: Why should you not use Paracetamol to relieve alcohol headaches?
Thuốc chứa Paracetamol có thể làm suy giảm chức năng gan khi sử dụng quá liều
3. Notes to prevent interactions between drugs containing Paracetamol-alcohol
In order to prevent the risk of hepatitis, liver necrosis when using Paracetamol in people who use alcohol for a long time, it is recommended to take the following measures:
In chronic alcoholics, regular Paracetamol should be avoided. often. If used, use the appropriate dosage according to the instructions of the doctor or according to the instructions for use on the product packaging, to avoid overdose. The usual dose of Paracetamol is 10-15mg / kg / time, between two doses at least 5-6 hours apart. Adults and children 12 years and older should not exceed 4g/day. Do not take Paracetamol to relieve headaches caused by drinking alcohol. Taking paracetamol after drinking alcohol will increase the burden on the liver, causing the risk of liver damage. To relieve headaches caused by drinking alcohol, you can do other ways such as drinking lots of water, supplementing with vitamin C and electrolytes, eating thin porridge or soup to add salt, potassium, sodium, ... to help the body recover quickly. dress. In addition to interacting with Paracetamol, alcohol also interacts with many other drugs, causing great health effects. Prevention is better than cure, so limit alcohol, practice good habits such as active sports, healthy diet to protect health.
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References: drugs.com, nhs.uk, nps.org.au, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
