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.
