Can you drink coffee after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Can you drink coffee with medicine? (illustrative photo: Freepik)
Many are wondering whether it is safe to drink coffee after taking painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
RBC-Ukraine explains how caffeine, the main stimulant in this popular beverage, can interact with these medications, affecting their effectiveness and potential side effects.
Paracetamol and coffee
A study by Italian scientists, published in the Springer journal, shows that combining paracetamol with caffeine can enhance pain relief, as caffeine acts as an adjuvant, amplifying the analgesic effect of paracetamol.
However, excessive caffeine intake alongside paracetamol can increase the risk of liver toxicity. This is because caffeine boosts the formation of toxic compounds during the metabolism of paracetamol, which can negatively affect the liver.
Therefore, if you are taking paracetamol, it is better to avoid coffee or significantly limit its consumption.
Ibuprofen and coffee
The combination of ibuprofen with caffeine can also enhance pain relief. Research published on the Cochrane Library website shows that the combination of ibuprofen and caffeine provides more significant pain relief than each substance alone.
However, both substances can cause gastrointestinal disturbances. In addition, large amounts of caffeine may lead to elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, insomnia, and other issues, particularly in individuals sensitive to this xanthine alkaloid.
It is recommended to take ibuprofen after meals and limit coffee consumption to avoid stomach irritation and other unwanted effects.
How to properly consume coffee with medications
Consuming a moderate amount of coffee after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen is generally safe. However, to avoid any health risks, doctors and scientists recommend waiting 1-2 hours after taking the medication before drinking coffee to reduce the risk of interactions.
It is also important to remember that if you regularly drink coffee and take painkillers, you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Previously, we wrote about foods that can help reduce pain during menstruation.
Sources: Drugs.com and MedicalNewsToday.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
