There is a slight difference between medicine and poison. When you are sick, there is nothing more grateful than medicine. However, misuse and abuse can also harm health. Even drugs that we are very familiar with can become poisonous if taken in the wrong way.

A typical example is painkillers taken to relieve body aches, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Painkillers are generally safe medicines, but if taken before or after drinking, they can have adverse health effects.

What happens if you drink alcohol on the day you take painkillers? Acetaminophen of the Tylenol family has a risk of liver damage. Acetaminophen is broken down by the liver through detoxification enzymes and excreted in the urine, at which point some of it turns into toxic substances. This toxic substance is detoxified by the antioxidant ‘glutathione’ secreted by our body, and drinking alcohol reduces glutathione. In short, the shield that protects the liver from being attacked by toxic substances disappears.

In addition, if you take ibuprofen of the burufen family with alcohol, you may suffer from gastrointestinal bleeding and gastritis. Iburofen puts less strain on the liver. However, if you usually have a weak stomach, you may suffer from heartburn in addition to a hangover.

If you have taken painkillers due to body aches or menstrual cramps, you should avoid drinking alcohol. Even if your head hurts after drinking, do not take painkillers and get enough rest. If you have to attend a drinking party due to unavoidable circumstances, it is recommended to take painkillers 6~12 hours before drinking.