Paxlovid And Alcohol: Interactions, Risks, And Side Effects

Ever since COVID-19 hit the world, it has changed all aspects of the lives of many people. Exceptional analysis and innovation have led to effective treatments and preventive actions to protect and fight against this disastrous pandemic. Among those innovations, Paxlovid is one of the leading medications. Paxlovid is the new drug that can help fight off complications due to the impacts of COVID-19 viruses. Like all other medicines, it also has some side effects. Mixing the Paxlovid with other substances can be toxic and sometimes life-threatening. As much percentage of the U.S. population consumes alcohol regularly and this pandemic still exists worldwide, it is essential to know how Paxlovid and alcohol can interact in the body and how mixing both can be risky. Read the article to understand thoroughly.

What Is Paxlovid?

Paxlovid is a prescribed medication taken orally as an antiviral drug used to treat the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The medication works by interfering with a protein crucial for COVID-19 metabolism. Research says Paxlovid consists of two antiviral active components: Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir. The role of the Nirmatrelvir is to inhibit the replication of the virus causing COVID-19. Ritonavir increases the nirmatrelvir levels in the body, boosting its effectiveness in the fight against the coronavirus. This drug has shown potential results in preventing COVID-19 progression to an extreme level in adults.

How Does Paxlovid Work?

Paxlovid works effectively by blocking the coronavirus from increasing in number within the host body. Its primary antiviral component, known as Nirmatrelvir, targets the enzyme in the virus called 3-chymotrypsin-like protease. By inhibiting the growth of this kind of enzyme, this potential drug helps slow down the spread of the virus. It gives the body's immune system a more suitable chance to fight against the infection. In general, Paxlovid is an effective medication that can drastically drain the viral load of the virus, which reduces the severity of the COVID-19 symptoms. As per the research, Paxlovid is significantly effective and is approved for use.

Side Effects Of Paxlovid

Along with the benefits, Paxlovid has some side effects too that range from mild to severe and from short-term to long-term. Though not all the below-mentioned side effects might occur, if they do, and that too for an extended period, consult a doctor. Here are the common Paxlovid aftereffects:

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Blurred vision

• Swollen joints

• Nervousness

• Muscle aches or cramps

• Temporary change in taste, like a metallic taste

• Temporary loss of taste

• Temporary high blood pressure

• Fast or slow heartbeat

• Mild allergic reactions

These side effects are relatively mild and subside after some time. However, some individuals may undergo severe long-term side effects of Paxlovid, which may need medical attention. These alarming symptoms include severe allergic reactions like:

• Abdominal cramps

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Swelling in face and throat

• Difficulty breathing

• Serious blistered, rash-covered, and peeled skin with fever.

How Long Does Paxlovid Stay In Your System?

Well, when you intake Paxlovid, after showing its effects, the medication takes the exit from the body very quickly. Within a day following the last dose of the drug, it can escape from your body in large amounts. Even if you experience some side effects, stress is unnecessary. The symptoms will fade away shortly after the last dose.

How Does Alcohol Interact With Paxlovid?

There is a science behind Paxlovid alcohol interaction. When you consume alcohol and Paxlovid simultaneously, both substances interact together within the body. Alcohol can hinder the activity of the enzymes that play a role in Paxlovid metabolism. It can raise the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream, which can increase the chances of medication overdose and severe effects, altering the effectiveness of Paxlovid.

Moreover, Paxlovid interaction with alcohol is complex and may differ based on certain factors such as dosages, the body's metabolic rate, and overall health condition. It is believed that alcohol's inhibitory effects on the metabolism of Paxlovid can be dose-related. This means that the higher a person consumes alcohol, the more significantly it will impact the breakdown of the drug. Besides this, take into consideration that Paxlovid and alcohol interaction is not restricted to the liver only. Though the liver helps metabolize alcohol and the medication, other systems and organs of the body can also experience some effects. For instance, alcohol can disrupt the distribution and absorption of Paxlovid in the gastrointestinal system, which can alter the overall efficacy and bioavailability of the gastrointestinal tract.

Paxlovid And Alcohol: Potential Risks When Mixed

Mixing Paxlovid and alcohol can raise the possibility of some detrimental complications and also decrease the ability of the medication to fight against the coronavirus. Many healthcare providers suggest not to have alcohol while taking this drug. Wondering why mixing both substances is risky? Here are the potential reasons behind it:

1. Changes In Metabolism

When alcohol enters the body, it impairs the functions of the central nervous system. This, in turn, affects the entire organs or system of the body. The decreased activity in the central nervous system leads to a change in metabolism.

The consequences of altered metabolic rate are changes in how the body takes up the Paxlovid and cause undesirable or harmful side effects. Those adverse side effects can be increased dizziness, more chances of injuries or accidents, impaired judgment, and confusion.

2. Liver Damage

The liver plays a significant role in the processing of both Paxlovid and alcohol. When a person regularly consumes alcohol or is already struggling with liver problems, mixing this medication with alcohol can be disturbing or problematic.

There will be an added pressure on the liver to take up or digest both substances simultaneously. It can worsen the condition of the liver and can lead to increased levels of severe complications. The effects can be a significant increase in the risk of liver damage or sometimes even liver failure.

3. Dehydration

Alcohol is a type of diuretic that increases the pace of the body to get rid of water through urination and sweat. Consuming alcohol in excessive amounts can cause dehydration (loss of water than you intake), which can affect the efficacy of the Paxlovid.

Dehydration can hinder the ability of the body to digest or break down the medication. As a result, it can worsen the COVID-19 symptoms and also slow down the body's recovery process. Therefore, having plenty of water while taking Paxlovid is essential, which helps strengthen the immune system and boost overall health.

Immediate And Long-Term Side Effects

A combination of Paxlovid and alcohol can lead to increased side effects and some health complications. The following are the standard, immediate symptoms that occur by mixing both these substances:

• Upset stomach

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• drowsiness

• Muscle pain

• dizziness

• Heightened gastrointestinal discomfort

Moreover, severe side effects that might need immediate medical help, mainly related to liver health, can also arise. Those are:

• Yellowish eyes or skin

• Serious abdominal pain

• The dark color of urine

• Unreasonable fatigue

On the other hand, mixing Paxlovid and alcohol can cause long-term effects on your health that include:

• Risk of liver damage, leading to liver cirrhosis or fatty liver disorders

• Increased blood pressure levels

• Stress on the kidney, hindering the related function

Paxlovid and Alcohol Abuse Treatment

In general, medical professionals advise quitting alcohol during the treatment of COVID-19 as taking such substances with Paxlovid can impact the treatment and put your health at risk of developing severe issues. For individuals recovering from addiction, programs like an online IOP mental health service can provide critical support while managing complex health concerns, ensuring personalized care from the comfort of home. Moreover, if you are unable to stop drinking alcohol, professionals can recommend some alternative options to Paxlovid, having less or no interaction with alcohol.

Also, they can suggest medical detoxification, which helps address withdrawal symptoms of the medication and safely lower the alcohol intake, eliminating severe complications. Certain therapies, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can also work. These therapies recognize the stimuli that contribute to such addiction. So, it is crucial to manage alcohol addiction as an overdose of alcohol can interfere with Paxlovid and worsen your health condition.

Summing Up

Drinking alcohol during Paxlovid treatment can reduce the medication's effectiveness and increase the risk of severe side effects. Alcohol impairs liver function, hindering its ability to process the drug and potentially leading to overdosing. It also weakens the immune system, reducing Paxlovid's ability to fight COVID-19. Additionally, alcohol-induced dehydration can worsen symptoms and slow recovery. If avoiding alcohol while on Paxlovid is challenging, consult a medical professional for personalized advice. They can help manage potential long-term effects and ensure your overall health while addressing concerns about Paxlovid and alcohol.