Combining caffeine and acetaminophen could be harmful for certain people. The stimulant and the pain reliever both provide certain health benefits on their own, but they are also commonly prescribed or recommended together. The amount of caffeine you consume on a daily basis could make the combination of caffeine and acetaminophen a dangerous one. Speak to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter drugs that contain both substances. Also be wary of drinking too much caffeine while taking the pain reliever.
Caffeine
If you have ever had coffee, soda, tea or chocolate, you've had caffeine. This bitter substance not only adds a dynamic taste to drink and food; it also affects the body's metabolism and the nervous system. Caffeine can heighten your sense of alertness and provide a boost of energy, which is one of the reasons many people drink coffee in the morning. Consumed in reasonable amounts, caffeine is not harmful. Too much caffeine, however, can have adverse health effects and cause irritability, headaches, arrhythmia and trouble sleeping.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a drug used to help relieve pain. The drug is more widely known as Tylenol and by other brand names. It can be prescribed by a doctor but is also available as an over-the-counter product. Some of the more common uses for acetaminophen are for headache, muscle ache, cold and sore throat, menstrual discomfort, backache, toothache and fever. Side effects of acetaminophen include itching, hives, rash, swelling and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Always follow dosage instructions on the label of an acetaminophen product.
The Combination
Caffeine is a common ingredient in many acetaminophen drugs. The pain reliever is often coupled with caffeine and aspirin to relieve migraine headache pain and pressure. It is also not uncommon for people to take acetaminophen in combination with a caffeine-containing drink like coffee.
Interactions
Mixing caffeine and acetaminophen can cause some side effects. According to FoxNews.com, the two taken at the same time could cause liver damage. The risk is higher if you are a heavy caffeine user or if you use drugs that combine acetaminophen and caffeine, as the two agents can contribute to liver tissue scaring. Caffeine also triples the amount of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone, a toxic byproduct in your body that can cause liver damage. Reports in the field are conflicting, however. According to some physicians, more testing and research is needed to show an indisputable link between caffeine and acetaminophen and liver damage.
References
- MedlinePlus: Caffeine
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Acetaminophen
- FoxNews.com; Mixing Tylenol with Caffeine May Increase the Risk of Liver Damage, Study Finds; Tina Benitez; September 2007
- WashingtonPost.com; Caffeine Plus Acetaminophen Toxic for Some; Steven Reinberg; September 2007
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