Because alcohol is detoxified via a similar pathway, drinking while taking high doses of acetaminophen essentially facilitates the destructive properties of NAPQI. The more alcohol in your system, the less acetaminophen your liver can tolerate.
Bottom line: Don’t drink when you’re taking any over-the-counter medication containing acetaminophen.
In addition, I strongly urge you to read the ingredients list on every medication you purchase, not just those containing acetaminophen. It is foolish to put chemicals in your body without knowing their potential side effects and maximum dose (see below). When it comes to over-the-counter drugs, you are your own doctor.
OTC 101
These ingredients commonly appear in over-the-counter medications. Each of them has a threshold of safe use.
Acetaminophen—a painkiller and fever reducer—is toxic to the liver at more than 4,000 milligrams a day.
Ibuprofen—a painkiller, fever reducer and anti-inflammatory—is toxic at more than 3,200 milligrams a day. Dangers include gastric ulcers, abdominal pain and kidney and liver problems.
Aspirin—a painkiller, feverreducer and anti-inflammatory—is toxic at more than 4,000 milligrams a day. Dangers include shock and gastric ulcers.
Pseudoephedrine—a blood-vessel constrictor (decongestant) and stimulant —is toxic at more than 240 milligrams a day. Toxic side effects include heart arrhythmia, severe high blood pressure and insomnia.
Diphenhydramine, chlorpheneramine and doxylamine—antihistamines (anti-allergy) and sleep aids—are toxic at 400 milligrams a day. Toxic side effects include low blood pressure and convulsions.
By Dr. Jordan Shlain
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