Why you should rethink taking paracetamol with cold water

Paracetamol is a medicine cupboard staple for many due to its ability to relieve headaches, lower temperatures, and often tackle the toughest cold and flu symptoms.

And while most of us will probably be accustomed to sipping on a cold glass of water when we take the tablets, it turns out there's a way to ‘supercharge’ your painkillers by using them alongside a product you probably have in your kitchen cupboard.

A spokesperson from Which? recently suggested to The Mirror that we should start swapping out a tall glass of water for a warm, caffeinated beverage.

"Big brands won't tell you this, but you can supercharge cheap painkillers using a simple secret hidden in your kitchen," they said.

"Taking your painkillers with caffeine can boost their effectiveness, according to studies.

"Big brands sell combination products, but you'll pay extra for this."

They said that this can have a positive effect on how quickly the meds are absorbed.

However, some experts remain divided on the matter - here's what they have to say.

Studies on paracetamol and coffee

Various studies, including research published in the Cochrane Library, have suggested that taking paracetamol with a hot drink can boost its effectiveness by up to 10 percent.

Taking your pills with cold water may not be as effective as using them alongside a wam liquid, like coffee (Getty Stock Image)

“Caffeine enhances the analgesic effect of other drugs, including paracetamol,” wrote authors of another study, shared in Pain and Therapy in March 2024.

“In early treatment of acute migraine pain, prescribing physicians might consider using the paracetamol/caffeine combination among other options.”

Caffeine is known to accelerate paracetamol's absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

If you don’t fancy sinking a latte with your painkillers, then research has suggested that an uncaffeinated hot drink will also help provide faster absorption of paracetamol.

Experts conducted a study with twenty-five healthy male volunteers, which concluded that this is potentially due to more rapid gastric emptying - the process by which food, liquids, and medication pass from the stomach into the small intestine.

Whereas experts writing in the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal found that Medicines took the longest to break down when drinks were consumed cold, up to 40 minutes.

Some experts have warned against taking tablets with caffeinated drinks (Getty Stock Image)

That doesn’t mean you have to cease consuming your tablets with cold water - just that they may work better and faster if you swap your glass out for a mug.

However, if you prefer to use cold water as a hydration method, then go right ahead. There aren’t any scientists telling you not to continue with the practice!

Health risks associated with taking paracetamol with caffeine

While combining coffee and paracetamol is safe for most people, some experts have spoken out against the combination.

Ian Budd, a prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, told the Daily Mail last year that by taking painkillers with your morning cup of Joe, you could increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

Moreover, the acidity of coffee may worsen irritation and increase the risk of heartburn.

“It’s always important to check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication, and if you’re ever unsure, speak to your pharmacist or GP,” Budd advised.

“They can help you understand whether it’s best to limit anything like coffee or adjust when you take it to avoid unwanted interactions.”

Other medications you should avoid pairing with caffeine include blood thinners, antidepressants, and asthma meds, as per University Hospitals.