Which of the following statements about taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) after heavy alcohol use is most correct?

• A. Combining acetaminophen with recent heavy alcohol use increases the risk of liver injury because both are processed by the liver and can produce toxic metabolites when hepatic pathways are overwhelmed.
• B. Taking acetaminophen while drinking prevents a hangover by accelerating alcohol elimination through induction of specific ethanol-metabolizing enzymes.
• C. Acetaminophen is completely safe to take immediately after drinking because alcohol neutralizes its hepatotoxic metabolites and reduces the drug’s liver burden.
• D. The hepatic risk is negligible provided the acetaminophen dose is doubled to counterbalance alcohol’s sedative effects, because a higher dose enhances analgesia without increasing liver toxicity.

Answer: (A)