Introduction
Paracetamol is a very frequently used pain medication. It can be purchased in small quantities in pharmacies even without a prescription. The following article will deal with the intake of paracetamol in the case of an existing alcohol consumption. In detail, interesting questions about the mode of action of paracetamol and the influence of alcohol will be clarified. The question of the consequences for the person concerned is also the focus of this article.
General information about paracetamol
Paracetamol is one of the most widely used painkillers in the world. For most people it is well tolerated and effective, especially in small doses. Since it has few side effects, especially in the freely available dosages, paracetamol is very popular with most people as a light painkiller. It is one of the so-called “over-the-counter” drugs, which can be purchased in small doses over the counter in pharmacies. For this reason, paracetamol is frequently used by the general population even without medical supervision.
Is an intoxication increased by paracetamol and alcohol?
Paracetamol and alcohol are not a sensible or good combination. Many people are aware of this. Nevertheless, people often consume alcohol even though they have taken paracetamol.
The question arises as to what effects this has. Does it make people more intoxicated or are their fears unjustified? Paracetamol and alcohol are partly processed by the same enzymes in the liver.
This results in products that have to be broken down further. The simultaneous intake of paracetamol and alcohol leads to the degradation of both substances being impaired. Alcohol is therefore broken down more slowly when paracetamol is in the body.
However, a direct increase in intoxication is relatively unlikely. At low doses, paracetamol is unlikely to be noticeable; the damage to the liver tends to occur silently and goes unnoticed at first. However, an overdose may cause very severe liver damage, which is very acute. Therefore, even small amounts of paracetamol should be avoided when consuming alcohol.
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