Acetaminophen Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when
acetaminophen is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Alcohol
Alcohol can affect the way your body handles acetaminophen, making it more toxic. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, talk to your healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen
(see Tylenol and Alcohol).
Barbiturates
Barbiturates can affect the way your body handles acetaminophen, making both drugs less effective and more toxic. This is most important for people who take high doses of acetaminophen on a regular basis. Talk to your healthcare provider about using acetaminophen with a barbiturate.
Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol)
Carbamazepine can affect the way your body handles acetaminophen, making both drugs less effective and more toxic. This is most important for people who take high doses of acetaminophen on a regular basis. Talk to your healthcare provider about using acetaminophen with carbamazepine.
Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran)
Cholestyramine can bind to acetaminophen and prevent it from being absorbed into your bloodstream. Make sure to separate these products by at least one hour.
Codeine and Acetaminophen (Capital and Codeine, Phenco-Care, Tylagesic, Acetaminophen No. 3, Acetaminophen No. 4)
In general, you should avoid acetaminophen if you are taking codeine and acetaminophen products, as you may inadvertently take too much acetaminophen. Be very careful to monitor the amount of acetaminophen you take each day, and do not exceed 4000 mg per day (for adults).
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