Ibuprofen or paracetamol for a hangover?
Headache, nausea, heartburn... when it comes to combating these or other hangover symptoms, there are medications that can relieve them . Among the most used are ibuprofen and paracetamol, two different drugs but both with analgesic and antipyretic properties . The main difference between them is that ibuprofen also acts as an effective anti-inflammatory, since it is part of the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) medications.
Although each person is different and alcohol affects their body in a specific way, in general, ibuprofen could be more advisable against a hangover . The reason is that, for its correct absorption, paracetamol requires extra work from the liver and this organ, in a hangover episode, already makes extra effort to eliminate toxins derived from alcohol.
Can I take ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen after a night of partying?
It is important to know the action and possible side effects of any medication we can take, even those that can be purchased without a prescription.
If you wake up with a hangover and have to study or go to work, one of these drugs can help you feel better. Choosing one or the other will depend on your physical characteristics and the existence of possible ailments.
Ibuprofen is the most effective for combating hangover symptoms , but you should keep in mind that it can cause irritation and stomach discomfort .
For its part, paracetamol is an excellent remedy for headaches, which does not affect the stomach but can alter liver function.
Aspirin , on the other hand, is not one of the most advisable drugs since acetylsalicylic acid, its main active ingredient, could increase the risk of gastric erosion and even bleeding .
Finally, naproxen , being an anti-inflammatory, can also be effective in making you feel better, but, as indicated by the prestigious magazine Medical News Todo y : “it is important to use anti-inflammatories with caution, as the medication can irritate the lining of the stomach.”
The frequent practice of taking an ibuprofen after drinks and before going to sleep to wake up 'better' on a regular basis is not a good idea.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholisms (NIH) notes that it is important to exercise caution when taking these medications before or after drinking alcohol. Pain relievers with acetaminophen (such as paracetamol) in high doses and in combination with alcohol can be toxic to the liver . Other drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, combined with alcohol, could increase the release of acids in the stomach, therefore damaging its lining .
How long after drinking can you take ibuprofen?
It is clear that you should not take any medication at the same time as consuming alcoholic beverages, but the length of time you should wait to do so is less clear.
Each person's body needs a certain period to metabolize the alcohol ingested and eliminate the toxins generated. The physical condition itself, the good condition of the liver and kidneys and, of course, the number of drinks taken are the factors that will cause the hangover to present more or less severe symptoms for a certain time.
If you have had only a couple of drinks, you could take an ibuprofen when you wake up , having left at least 6 or 8 hours since the last alcohol intake. If the hangover is severe, you will have to wait a minimum of 24 hours . The goal is for the body to expel as much alcohol (and its toxins) before taking any medication.
How much ibuprofen to take for a hangover?
Unless there is a medical contraindication, to relieve the symptoms of a hangover, a 400 mg ibuprofen tablet is usually sufficient. If a second dose is necessary, you should wait at least 6 hours.
What helps stomach pain from a hangover?
Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid to relieve stomach upset. Taking antacids can reduce nausea, heartburn, and indigestion caused by drinking. This is a good option for people who tend to feel bad when they have a hangover.
Can I take pain relievers with alcohol?
It is quite safe to occasionally take a low dose of ibuprofen or naproxen if you have had a small amount of alcohol.
Does Advil make hangovers worse?
Advil is actually a type of ibuprofen , an NSAID that does not worsen a hangover, but taking it, especially if you have consumed a significant amount of alcohol, can be harmful, especially if taken in high doses, since it could seriously damage the stomach even cause gastric ulcers or bleeding.
Ibuprofen for hangovers, yes or no?
In summary, it can be said that taking ibuprofen can help combat the discomfort of a hangover as long as there are no diseases that make the use of this medication inadvisable.
Furthermore, it should not be taken at the same time as drinks, nor just after drinking alcohol has finished (before going to sleep). It is worth remembering that you have anti-hangover pills made with natural products that are an effective and healthy alternative to drugs, something that should always be taken into account.
Hangover | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (nih.gov)