Nigerians have been advised by medical professionals not to take painkillers with carbonated beverages. They highlighted the risks involved and pointed out that water is still the most recommended liquid to take medications such as painkillers.
The specialists further declared that alcohol and painkillers should not be used together since alcohol causes the body to release toxic metabolisms.
After meeting with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Department of Food and Drug Services, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Standards Organization of Nigeria in 2017 to address concerns regarding two carbonated drinks, the former minister of health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, stated that while some carbonated drinks were safe to consume, they shouldn’t be used to take drugs.
A previously shared WhatsApp post regarding mixing painkillers with fizzy drinks was discussed and widely shared at the meeting.
A consultant pharmacist named Dr. Lolu Ojo discussed the implications of mixing medications and alcohol, pointing out that this could impact the medication’s effectiveness.
He emphasized that because alcohol may exacerbate side effects, it should never be taken with any medication, including painkillers.
“But water is the most palatable beverage that the body can tolerate without any problems, so I’ll suggest that everyone take their medications with water.” Depending on the type of beverage, taking your medication with it may alter its release, efficacy, safety, and dissolution,” the doctor cautioned.
Ojo, the CEO and Managing Director of Merit Healthcare Limited, counseled Nigerians to adopt healthful behaviors like regular exercise and abstaining from sedentary living.
“Eating a balanced diet, having a light and early dinner, drinking lots of water, getting eight to nine hours of sleep every day, and avoiding stress,” he stated. Make sure you check your blood pressure and sugar levels, and get frequent checkups for your overall health.
Olusina Ajidahun, a medical professional, stated that it is best to avoid and discourage taking medications with carbonated beverages or dissolve them.
He denounced the practice of dissolving more painkillers in carbonated drinks than is necessary, claiming that taking too many of them could harm the liver and other important organs.
“A medication’s pH, or acidity and alkalinity, is measured during formulation. Since many medications have a pH range that they must stay at, taking them with carbonated beverages—some of which may be slightly acidic or alkaline—may have an impact on how well the medications work.
For instance, certain medications don’t perform well when combined with carbonated beverages that contain milk. Certain drink ingredients may also interfere with a drug’s ability to be absorbed and lessen its effectiveness.
Additionally, he said, “having more drinks in your system raises the risk of side effects that are not usually attributed to the drugs.”
Ajidahun explained that while there hasn’t been any evidence linking the consumption of painkillers and carbonated drinks to health issues, doing so could render the medications ineffective.
“Taking medications with water is recommended. Moreover, there are differences in the methods different medications must be administered. Certain medications should be taken with fat foods, while others should be taken empty stomach. Hence, taking these medications with carbonated beverages alters how they function, the speaker explained.
The physician advised Nigerians to take their medications as prescribed, noting that drug abuse leads to drug resistance and complicates the treatment of illness.
“When you are given a medication, follow your pharmacist’s instructions,” Ajidahun continued. The ideal time to utilize the medicine as well as its dos and don’ts would be explained to you. Please take the medication as prescribed. Avoid combining drugs and alcohol. For instance, combining alcohol and paracetamol raises the risk of liver injury since the two substances generate harmful compounds together. Never take medications while you’re even slightly uncomfortable.