Doctor: Don't Treat Hangover with Paracetamol; Here’s What Happens If Mixed with Alcohol

A National Health Service doctor recently shared via a popular video-sharing app, TikTok, how dangerous it is to take paracetamol to treat a hangover.

According to a report from Mirror news site, surgical doctor and lecturer Dr. Karan Rangarjan of the Sunderland University are regularly using the platform to share on TikTok his knowledge in order to educate everyone about medicine, to uncover and debunk myths, and to share secrets about the lives of doctors in the hospital.

In a new video, the doctor explains why it's never a good idea to mix paracetamol with alcohol since it may have disastrous effects.

In the said video clip that has garnered 1 million views, Dr. Rangarjan explains the reason it is quite hazardous to take the drug while consuming alcohol.

ALSO READ: Drinking Water and Eating: Not Remedies for Hangover

Paracetamol, Bad for the Liver

Paracetamol is famous for its use as a common painkiller taken to treat a range of symptoms such as fever, headaches, migraines, and body aches.

In 2017, an article posted on Metro specified that paracetamol, also identified as acetaminophen, should not be taken by an individual if he had a heavy night since the alcohol in his system can have hazardous effects on his liver.

In fact, the report also said that it could even result in acute liver failure if the said organ is already impaired by excessive and frequent alcohol drinking.

Even minus alcohol consumption, it is always essential to follow the right dose of paracetamol intake as the liver can only metabolize a specific amount at a given period.

Say one took too much of the drug, his liver will begin to produce toxic byproducts, which will destroy and kill liver cells. Paracetamol overdose is said to be the main reason for the occurrence of acute liver failure in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.

Therefore, it is best to follow instructions, read the related and important information, and seek medical assistance before taking those pills.

Mixing Paracetamol and Alcohol Produces 'Toxic Products'

According to Dr. Rangarjan, mixing the two substances, paracetamol, and alcohol, produces "toxic products" when broken down in the body, and this can lead to severe impairment of liver cells.

When they are taken simultaneously, a person's body may fail to produce an adequate amount of a certain chemical known as glutathione to neutralize the poisonous compounds fast enough. As mentioned, this lack of production of glutathione could affect the liver.

Dr. Rangarjan explained that once paracetamol is taken, the body breaks it down into various chemicals. One of these chemicals, acetaldehyde, is a toxic breakdown product that can cause damage to liver cells.

For such damage to be prevented, the liver generates glutathione to neutralize this toxic compound.

Take Ibuprofen Instead

In a similar report, UK Today News said that to treat hangover headaches, Dr. Rangarjan recommended taking ibuprofen instead. Since the video was posted, it has gained over 92,900 reactions and comments from TikTok users saying that they were not aware of such issues, and many have taken both paracetamol and alcohol several times.

The Sun report said that anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen are certainly a better alternative treatment for hangovers compared to the more popularly taken paracetamol.

Specifically, the article suggests that one should take ibuprofen as soon as waking up, then follow it up by drinking a pint of water and eating some carbohydrates.

Related information about treating hangover is shown on Doctors' Circle's YouTube video below: