Comments for consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 27 No. 1 2004
Alcohol and Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a useful painkiller. Taking too much paracetamol can, however, poison the liver. People who take overdoses of paracetamol can die from liver damage.
People who drink a lot of alcohol can also damage their liver. There is therefore concern that normal doses of paracetamol may damage the liver of heavy drinkers.
Although it is not clear if there is an increased risk of liver damage, heavy drinkers must not take more than the recommended dose of paracetamol. They should also talk to their doctor about their drinking.
