Q:
I have heard that taking OTC pain medications when you have a hangover can be bad for your stomach. Is this true? I normally take IBpreufen, should I be worried?
A:
Alcohol causes gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining with microscopic bleeding) so taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory like naproxen or ibuprofen, or aspirin, can actually worsen the condition. Tylenol is not a stomach irritant, but can be harmful to the liver which may be also inflamed from a heavy night of drinking. Best option is to limit to 4 drinks per occasion if you are male and 3 drinks if you are female. The chances of a hangover needing medication are much less.
~The Doc
