Is mixing Tylenol and alcohol safe? The simply answer is No. The primary ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen. This ingredient is also found in other common over-the-counter medicines as well as prescription pain and cough medicines. As the FDA has reported, acetaminophen is harsh on the body even without the help of alcohol. So when combining with alcohol, even if not taken simultaneously, it can be quite dangerous, sometimes even deadly.
Why is this the case? After one drinks alcoholic beverages, a certain enzyme develops. When acetaminophen combines with this enzyme, a toxic byproduct is produced that causes liver cell death. This is especially true if one is taking Tylenol to cure a hangover the day after a night of drinking. Mixing Tylenol and alcohol puts one at risk for liver failure.
For those who chronically use alcohol, it is particularly dangerous because of the often damaged condition of the liver. Also, alcohol abuse depletes the body of toxin-fighting glutathione, which weakens the body’s defense against substances like acetaminophen. But it’s not just for chronic users. Social/ moderate drinkers are at risk for acute liver failure when mixing Tylenol and alcohol. Even the recommended “safe” dose of Tylenol could result in hepatotoxicity.
But it’s not just about mixing Tylenol and alcohol. Below is a list of some over-the-counter products and prescription medicines that contain acetaminophen (Some may surprise you!). If you are concerned about taking any of these medicines and your alcohol consumption, talk with your doctor.
Over-the-counter medicines containing acetaminophen:
- Actifed
- Alka-Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels
- Anacin
- Benadryl
- Cepacol
- Contac
- Coricidin
- Dayquil
- Dimetapp
- Dristan
- Excedrin
- Feverall
- Formula 44
- Goody’s Powders
- Liquiprin
- Midol
- Nyquil
- Panadol
- Robitussin
- Saint Joseph® Aspirin-Free
- Singlet
- Sinutab
- Sudafed
- Theraflu
- Triaminic
- TYLENOL Brand Products
- Vanquish
- Vicks
- Zicam
(Remember store brands of these items will contain it too.)
Prescription medicines containing acetaminophen:
- Butalbital
- Endocet
- Fioricet
- Hycotab
- Hydrocet
- Hydrocodone Bitartrate
- Lortab
- Oxycodone
- Percocet
- Phenaphen
- Sedapap
- Tapanol
- Tramadol
- Tylenol with Codeine
- Tylox
- Ultracet
- Vicodin
- Zydone
(Remember generic versions of these drugs contain it too.)
