MN
A male asked about a 21-year-old male:
How long after taking tylenol (acetaminophen) cold severe do i need to wait to drink alcohol?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Juchauanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Alcohol : and any medications in my opinion don't mix. If you are sick enough to take cold medicine then you're too sick to drink for 24+ hours.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. David Kelleranswered
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen) Cold: Avoid "Tylenol Cold Severe", unless ordered to by a doctor. It contains phenylephrine, which doesn't treat the viruses which cause colds, & which has side effects including increased blood pressure, racing heart, risk for stroke and heart attack, dry mouth, insomnia, urinary retention - by drying your mucus membranes, it can prolong your infection.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
2 comments
Dr. David Keller commented
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Provided original answer
I would only add that, if you insist on taking Tylenol Cold Severe, or any other product containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine, I agree with my colleagues that you should not combine it with alcohol for at least 12 hours before or after. But, again, it is better to avoid these useless and potentially dangerous medications.
Dec 4, 2014
Dr. David Keller commented
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Provided original answer
One last point: in rare cases, patients are prescribed phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine by a doctor for valid uses, such as to raise the blood pressure in shock patients. My comments above relate ONLY to people purchasing them for colds or congestion, symptoms which can be controlled more safely other ways.
Dec 5, 2014
Dr. David Lipkinanswered
Internal Medicine 53 years experience
Don't take: As a general rule: Don't take Tylenol(*T) if you are drinking, and don't drink alcohol (*A) if you are taking*T.*T is metabolized in the liver and changed into chemicals that are excreted in the urine.*A(interferes with this process and a chemical toxic to the liver builds up, which can cause liver failure.(more likely if you've consumed *A for several days in a row or take>6 ExTra Strength Caps/day
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 8, 2016
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