Some of the popular hangover cures include herbal teas, fizzy drinks or even a massive Subway sandwich.
Now, researchers say a cheap pill that's usually given to strengthen the immune system and reduce mucus in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis may be a successful option – but only for women.
In experiments, the academics found N-acetylcysteine (NAC) tablets reduced severity of hangovers for women, but not for men, after a heavy night of beer-drinking – but they can't explain this 'gender specific susceptibility'.
On Amazon, 120 600mg NAC capsules can be purchased for less than £10 ($13.83) – equating to only around 8p (11 cents) per tablet.
However, the few 'minor' side effects to NAC include 'possible allergic reaction, heartburn and foul smelling bowel movements', the experts say.
On Amazon, 120 600mg NAC capsules can be purchased for less than £10 – equating to only around 8p (11 cents) per tablet
The research has been conducted by four experts at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania.
'Hangovers are a nationwide problem manifesting in an array of negative outcomes affecting society,' they say in their paper.
'Studies related to clinically effective hangover treatments are limited despite the understanding that alleviation of hangover symptoms could have favourable effects on individuals with positive repercussions for society.
'The effect of this study could have profound significance as it could lead to improved quality of life for the individual as well as societal improvement if academic and work-related productivity can be improved.'
NAC has been used to break down mucus and improve lung function for asthmatics, but it's also used to treat paracetamol poisoning and chest pain and to combat allergic reactions to an epilepsy drug.
Because it's commercially available over-the-counter to take at home, it has the potential to prevent hangover symptoms without 'requiring the financial burden of higher acuity medical care', the study authors say.
Although the researchers can't identify reasons for the 'gender specific susceptibility' to the benefits of NAC, they were able to pinpoint NAC's effects when it comes to alcohol consumption generally.
NAC is often dished out by doctors to treat paracetamol poisoning, chest pain and to combat allergic reactions to an epilepsy drug
In the liver, enzymes called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) break down ethanol to acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product, using 'co-enzymes' called glutathione and cysteine.
'When excessive amounts of ethanol are consumed, the liver is unable to effectively complete this process,' the team say.
'As glutathione stores diminish, the patient must wait for the
