Acetaminophen and Coffee
Acetaminophen is a widely-used pain reliever, which is also called Paracetamol, and many individuals choose to drink it with coffee. However, this combination has potentially dangerous health risks. Here’s what people should know about the effects of drinking acetaminophen with coffee.
What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer, used to treat mild to moderate pain from conditions like muscle aches, headaches, colds, and inflammation. It works by changing the body’s perception of pain, reducing symptoms without reducing inflammation.
Acetaminophen is also an ingredient in many cold and flu medicines and over the counter sleep aids. It is available without a prescription in various forms, including tablets, syrups, drinks, and suspensions.
Does Drinking Coffee with Acetaminophen Increase Risk of Side Effects ?
Drinking coffee with acetaminophen may increase the risk of side effects of the medication, including abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also increase the risk of liver damage. This is because caffeine affects the body’s metabolism of acetaminophen, increasing the amount of the medication in the bloodstream.
The combination of acetaminophen and caffeine may also cause increased heart rate and increased blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular problems. It is also important to note that drinking too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, irritability, and restlessness.
Taking Acetaminophen with Other Medications
It is important to understand that acetaminophen should not be taken with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as this increases the risk of side effects, including bleeding in the stomach and intestine. It is also important to note that combining acetaminophen with alcohol can also increase the risk of serious side effects.
Tips for Taking Acetaminophen Safely
It is important to understand the risks associated with drinking coffee with acetaminophen and to take the medication as directed. It is advisable to read the label carefully and follow the instructions to reduce the risk of side effects. It is also important to drink plenty of water when taking acetaminophen and to avoid taking it with alcohol.
It is also important to talk to a doctor before taking acetaminophen if one is taking other medications or has any pre-existing medical conditions. This is especially true for elderly individuals or those with liver or kidney problems.
Drinking Sumatra Coffee After Taking Acetaminophen
It is advisable to wait at least two hours after taking acetaminophen before drinking Sumatra coffee. Sumatra coffee is a highly caffeinated coffee blend and it is important to give the body enough time to process the medication before consuming this type of coffee. Drinking Sumatra coffee too soon after taking acetaminophen can lead to side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the risks of drinking coffee with acetaminophen. Caffeine can increase the amount of the medication in the bloodstream, which can lead to potential side effects. It is also important to take this medication as directed and to avoid taking it with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, it is advisable to avoid drinking Sumatra coffee too soon after taking acetaminophen.
How Much Caffeine Is in Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen does not contain any caffeine. So, drinking coffee with acetaminophen does not increase the amount of caffeine one will consume. It is important to note, however, that some over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain caffeine. These should be avoided if one is taking acetaminophen.
Can Acetaminophen and Coffee Interact Negatively with Your Health?
Yes, drinking coffee with acetaminophen can cause serious side effects, including abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also increase the risk of liver damage, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as exacerbate insomnia, irritability, and restlessness. Additionally, people should avoid taking acetaminophen with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as this increases the risk of side effects. Finally, people should be aware that some over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain caffeine and should avoid taking these if one is taking acetaminophen.
What is the Recommended Dosage for Acetaminophen?
The recommended dosage for acetaminophen for adults is 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum dose of 4,000 mg per day. For children, the dose is based on the child’s weight. It is important to note that exceeding the maximum dose can cause serious harm to the liver.
It is also important to note that it is important to read the label of acetaminophen carefully and follow the instructions to reduce the risk of side effects. Additionally, people should talk to their doctor before taking acetaminophen if they are taking other medications or have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Interactions between Acetaminophen and Supplements
It is important to note that taking acetaminophen with dietary supplements such as Vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, and garlic can increase the risk of side effects. Additionally, taking the medication with certain herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, can interact with the medication, increasing the risk of liver damage. It is important to talk to a doctor before taking acetaminophen if one is taking any dietary or herbal supplements.
Can You Drink Acetaminophen with Coffee?
Drinking coffee with acetaminophen can increase the risk of serious side effects, including abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also increase the risk of liver damage, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as exacerbate insomnia, irritability, and restlessness. Additionally, people should avoid taking acetaminophen with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and dietary or herbal supplements. It is also important to give the body time to process the medication before drinking Sumatra coffee, as this type of coffee is highly caffeinated. For these reasons, it is advisable to avoid drinking coffee with acetaminophen.
