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Can you take medication like Advil after drinking alcohol, and are they good for reducing hangover symptoms?
If you're asking these questions, then chances are you've had a few too many at happy hour but aren't sure whether you can mix Advil with alcohol.
Advil is the brand name for the drug Ibuprofen which belongs to a "class" of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Hangovers are partly caused by inflammation and oxidative stress due to alcohol’s toxic effects. This leads to symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and other unwanted outcomes. But reducing inflammation with NSAIDs can help alleviate some of these symptoms.
In this article, We're going to take a closer look at whether you can take Advil after drinking alcohol and if helps with reducing hangover symptoms, or if there's another alternative you should consume after drinking. We'll also focus on some of the interactions and dangers of taking NSAIDs like Advil with alcohol.
So, with the introductions out the way, let's start taking a closer look at whether taking Advil a hangover is a good idea or not.
How does Advil work?
Advil, a type of NSAID, works by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing the production of prostaglandins—chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. This mechanism helps alleviate pain, inflammation, and fever. Avoid combining Advil with other NSAIDs like Naproxen or Diclofenac to prevent side effects or overdose.
In simpler terms, prostaglandins act as messengers that trigger inflammation and pain. By blocking their production, Advil effectively reduces discomfort and swelling. This is why it’s widely used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
It's worth noting that Advil is just a brand name for ibuprofen. So, taking both Advil and generic ibuprofen together would result in double dosing, which can increase the risk of side effects. Similarly, combining Advil with other NSAIDs like Naproxen or high-dose Aspirin (300mg) should be avoided to prevent complications.
Advil and alcohol interactions
Advil and alcohol don't technically "interact" with one another. However, that doesn't mean there aren't any dangers when taking this drug with alcohol.
Advil has a long list of side effects which we won't go into as it's beyond the scope of this article. But there's one that's particularly relevant when it comes to taking Advil with alcohol.
Your stomach has a mucus lining that protects it from the harsh and acidic environment created by stomach acid. NSAIDs, like Advil, reduce the stomach's mucus lining, therefore, exposing your stomach lining to acid. In other words, increasing the risk of developing stomach ulcers.
The worry is that stomach ulcers in combination with drinking alcohol can increase the risk of severe bleeding.
With all that said, these risks are mainly associated with the regular use of drugs like Advil in combination with excessive alcohol consumption.
So, if you don't have a history of stomach ulcers and don't suffer from indigestion, taking a couple of Advil after a few drinks is unlikely to cause any problems. (1)
NSAIDs, like Advil, should not be taken with alcohol. This is especially the case if you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders.
Should I take Advil for a hangover?
You should not take Advil for a hangover, according to the manufacturer. NSAIDs like Advil can increase the risk of severe stomach bleeding, particularly if combined with alcohol or taken in high doses. This risk is higher for those who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily.
By the time you wake up with a hangover, your blood alcohol levels are usually close to zero. However, if you wake up still feeling drunk, that’s a different situation entirely.
So, is it safe to take Advil when hungover?
According to the manufacturer, the answer is no. The Advil website states: "We don’t recommend taking Advil if you have a hangover. NSAIDs, like Advil, can cause severe stomach bleeding, especially if taken at higher doses. Those chances become even higher if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day while taking Advil." (2)
This warning primarily targets those who regularly drink above recommended limits, such as more than two drinks daily. (3)
How long should you wait before taking Advil after drinking alcohol?
Wait until your body has fully metabolized alcohol before taking Advil, typically at least 12 hours after heavy drinking. This reduces the risk of liver, kidney, and stomach damage. Ensure you've rehydrated and eaten a nutritious meal before taking NSAIDs to protect your gastrointestinal tract.
After binge drinking, your gastrointestinal system is left in a fragile state. This is particularly relevant for hangovers, which are often the result of consuming too much alcohol too quickly. For most people, a couple of glasses of wine with dinner won’t cause a morning hangover, but three or more? That’s a different story—and likely a recipe for nausea and discomfort.
If you wake up with hangover symptoms, it's best to first focus on rehydrating and eating a balanced meal before considering Advil. Giving your body time to metabolize the alcohol reduces the chances of further stress on your liver, kidneys, and stomach. Keep in mind that alcohol can stay in your blood for up to 12 hours and in your urine for up to 24 hours, though metabolism rates vary from person to person.
Is Advil good for a hangover?
Advil can help relieve hangover symptoms like headaches and body aches but may worsen nausea, especially on an empty stomach. It has no effect on other common hangover symptoms. Adults should limit their intake to 400 mg every 4–6 hours, with a maximum of 1,200 mg per 24 hours.
If your goal is to reduce some of the body aches and headaches associated with a hangover, then yes it definitely helps.
It's a "painkiller" and would, therefore, ease some of the pain caused by a hangover.
For adults, the recommended dosage of Advil is up to 400 mg every four to six hours, and no more than 1,200 mg per 24-hour period.
On the other hand, it could make hangover nausea worse especially if you take it on an empty stomach in the morning. Instead, opt for a natural alternative like ginger.
As for the other 47 symptoms of a hangover, Advil will have zero effect.
Anything else to consider?
Hangovers are a sign from your body that you've been drinking too much alcohol for your body to handle. Taking painkillers like Advil will certainly help reduce some of the pain, but prevention is always the best approach.
Aside from drinking less alcohol, making sure you keep well hydrated and eating before going out is key.
Both hydration and eating healthy meals are equally important after you’ve been drinking, too. In fact, they’re key to managing potential hangover symptoms like headaches and nausea. Since alcohol interferes with your sleep quality, which can contribute to hangover symptoms, rest and proper sleep are also crucial to your recovery process.
Common hangover myths, such as the “hair of the dog” and the order of your drinks (beer before wine) have no scientific backing and won’t alleviate your hangover symptoms.
If you're taking any medication or have a history of any bleeding disorders, ulcers or indigestion, it's best to speak to your doctor first before taking Advil.
Taking Advil after alcohol and for hangovers - Final verdict
That brings us to the end of our look into whether you can take Advil and drink alcohol as well as if you've got a hangover the next day.
The answer is, ideally not if you can avoid it. Advil reduces the mucus lining of your stomach, leaving it vulnerable to stomach acid. Regular use of Advil and alcohol in combination is particularly dangerous. This is in contrast to using Pepto Bismol after drinking, which forms a protective coating over the stomach lining.
However, if you've got no medical history and don't drink regularly, taking a couple of Advil when hungover is unlikely to cause any problems.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to hangovers. And if it's too late for this already, check out our article on the best hangover cure drinks that'll help kickstart your day.
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