A pharmacist has warned that taking painkillers after drinking can be dangerous, as millions of people prepare to head out and enjoy the festive season with alcohol. Ian Budd, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, has explained how you should treat a hangover, what remedies to avoid - and why common painkillers after drinking are a bad idea.

Ian said: " Taking paracetamol before bed after drinking can be risky because both alcohol and paracetamol are processed by your liver, which can increase the risk of liver damage. If you need to take painkillers, ibuprofen the next morning (with plenty of food and water) is a better option. We always advise for you to check with your pharmacist to see which painkillers are suitable for you.”

Ian said the real 'cure' comes from your tap. He said: " The most effective way to recover is to rehydrate and rest. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose fluids and electrolytes. Water, sports drinks, or oral rehydration salts can all help. If you know you’re drinking, alternate alcohol drinks with water and have a glass before bed.”

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And he explained what won't work, adding: “Eating after drinking doesn’t remove alcohol from your system; your liver still needs time to break it down, usually about one unit of alcohol per hour. A fry-up might make you feel better because of the salt and carbs, but it won’t speed up your recovery. If anything, greasy food can irritate your stomach and make nausea worse. The best move is to eat a balanced meal before drinking. Having food in your stomach slows alcohol absorption and can reduce the risk of a bad hangover.

“Caffeine can make you feel more alert, but it doesn’t help your body process alcohol faster, you’ll still be drunk, just wide awake. Coffee is also diuretic, so it can make dehydration worse, which is one of the main reasons you might feel unwell the next day. Stick to water or an electrolyte drink instead."

He added that c cold shower also won't help, saying: " While a cold shower might help you feel more awake, it doesn’t reduce your blood alcohol level or make you sober. Your body still needs time to process alcohol naturally.”

As well as painkillers, you may beed to consider how alcohol works with other medicine. Ian said: “Alcohol can interact with a wide range of drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, in ways that can make them less effective or more dangerous. For example, mixing alcohol with sedatives, antidepressants, or strong painkillers can make drowsiness and coordination problems worse, while drinking while on antibiotics can cause nausea, flushing and vomiting.

"Even everyday medications like antihistamines and cold remedies can intensify alcohol’s sedative effects. If you’re taking statins, it’s best to drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether; both alcohol and statins are processed by your liver, so heavy drinking can increase the risk of liver damage and muscle-related side effects. Always check the patient information leaflet or ask your pharmacist before drinking while taking medication, as even small amounts of alcohol can have different effects depending on the medicine.”