With the arrival of Carnival, many revelers turn to so-called “hangover kits” — combinations of painkillers, antacids and anti-inflammatories — in an attempt to speed up recovery after drinking alcohol. However, what appears to be a quick fix hides serious health risks.

According to Aline Aparecida Pereira Souza, pharmacist and technical responsible for the Farmácia Escola do Centro Universitário Integrado de Campo Mourão (PR), this practice is dangerous and has no scientific basis. “These substances have no pharmacological indication to cancel the effects of alcohol. On the contrary, irrational consumption can overload vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys and stomach”, he warns.

The expert highlights that the association between alcoholic beverages and medications can increase the toxicity of the substances and cause severe damage to the body, such as:

• Liver overload: alcohol and medications compete for the same metabolization pathway, drastically increasing the risk of drug-related hepatitis;
• Gastric damage: mixing with anti-inflammatories increases the chances of ulcers and bleeding in the stomach;
• Nervous system impairment: when associated with analgesics or antiallergics, the alcohol can cause excessive sedation, dizziness, mental confusion and loss of motor coordination, facilitating falls and accidents;
• Mask the symptoms: Medications and energy drinks can hide signs of drunkenness, leading revelers to consume even more alcohol and increasing the risk of serious intoxication.

Why avoid the “hangover kit”?

Aline Aparecida Pereira Souza highlights that many of these kits contain drugs whose leaflets expressly contraindicate their use in combination with alcohol. She also remembers that the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) prohibits the sale of these kits, as the mixture of several active ingredients, without professional guidance, can reduce or nullify the effect of one of the medications, increase side effects and cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

The expert reinforces that a hangover is the body’s response to dehydration and excess toxins. Therefore, the only recommended remedy is time and care.

To prevent this, the recommendation is:

• Constant hydration: alternate a glass of water for each dose of alcoholic beverage;
• Eat well: never drink on an empty stomach. Prioritize foods rich in starch and vegetables;
• Moderation: Avoid mixing different types of alcoholic beverages.

And for those with a hangover, the suggestion is:

• Non-pharmacological measures: absolute rest and intense hydration with water or isotonic solutions to replace lost electrolytes, which play an important role in several body functions, such as regulating muscle function and maintaining water balance;
• Light food: consume fruits and broths, avoiding fatty foods that overload the liver;
• Avoid self-medication: the indiscriminate use of medications does not accelerate the process and can worsen the clinical condition.

“It is important to emphasize that there is no medication capable of canceling the effects of alcohol on body. Therefore, the best prevention is still moderate consumption. And if the hangover includes intense vomiting, extreme dizziness or very severe pain, see a doctor”, adds the pharmacist.

By João Alécio Mem