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Acetaminophen : Interaction with Foods, Herbs & Alcohol


Are you taking Acetaminophen? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Acetaminophen with certain foods, herbs, or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Acetaminophen Interactions with Food and Herbs

Watercress: The levels of acetaminophen's oxidative metabolites decrease when watercress and acetaminophen are taken together. This may be due to the inhibition of the drug's oxidative metabolism(1 Trusted Source
Decrease of plasma and urinary oxidative metabolites of acetaminophen after consumption of watercress by human volunteers

Go to source
).

Acetaminophen Interactions with Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen because it may raise the risk of hepatotoxicity(2 Trusted Source
Ethanol and production of the hepatotoxic metabolite of acetaminophen in healthy adults

Go to source
).

When and How to Take Acetaminophen

  • Acetaminophen is available as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, suspension or solution, extended-release tablet, and orally disintegrating tablet to be taken orally, with or without food.
  • Avoid excess dosage.
  • Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets, because it can release the entire drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
  • Stop taking acetaminophen and contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or when you develop new or unexpected symptoms.(3 Trusted Source
    Acetaminophen: MedlinePlus Drug Information

    Go to source
    ).

References

  1. Decrease of plasma and urinary oxidative metabolites of acetaminophen after consumption of watercress by human volunteers (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8988067/)
  2. Ethanol and production of the hepatotoxic metabolite of acetaminophen in healthy adults (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10872641/)
  3. Acetaminophen: MedlinePlus Drug Information (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html)

Drug Name : Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen or paracetamol helps to reduce fever and to relieve a headache with mild to moderate pain. It is also used with other pain medications to treat low back pain, osteoarthritis, cold, and toothache.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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