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Compare Naproxen vs. Tylenol With Codeine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and acetaminophen / codeine (Tylenol #3) are pain medications. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Most forms are available over the counter. Tylenol #3 considered an opioid because it contains codeine, but it also contains acetaminophen (Tylenol). Usually, non-opioid medications such as naproxen are tried first for mild-to-moderate pain. If they don’t work, an opioid such as Tylenol #3 may be tried. Common naproxen side effects include nausea and heartburn. More serious risks include stomach ulcers or bleeding, and kidney damage. NSAIDs, such as naproxen, can also raise your risk of a heart attack. Tylenol #3 side effects include drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. More serious risks include misuse, overdose, and liver damage.

  • Naproxen (Naprosyn)
    Tylenol with codeine
  • Naproxen (Naprosyn)
    Tylenol with codeine

  • Summary of Naproxen vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Prescription-strength naproxen (Naprosyn) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be taken by adults and children to relieve pain and symptoms of certain conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout. Naproxen (Naprosyn) works by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation and pain. Naproxen (Naprosyn) comes as tablet and liquid suspension that are taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times per day. Some common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea.

    Summary for Analgesic / Opioid
    Prescription only

    Tylenol with Codeine (acetaminophen / codeine), also known as Tylenol #3, is a combination opioid medication. Both acetaminophen and codeine treat mild-to-moderate pain by blocking pain signals in the body. This medication is taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours as needed. Tylenol with Codeine is available as a tablet and liquid. Like other opioids, Tylenol with Codeine can cause common side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. It also has a warning for dangerous breathing problems and risk of dependence and misuse.

  • Indications of Naproxen vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Indications for
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (arthritis of the spine)
    •Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children)
    •Tendonitis and bursitis
    •Gout attacks
    •Pain
    •Menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Treatment of mild-to-moderate pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Naproxen vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for treating pain and inflammation
    •Effects last longer than other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
    •Available as a liquid for people who have a hard time swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
    •Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Opioid
    Pros
    •Works well for treating mild-to-moderate pain
    •Combines 2 medications with different modes of pain relief into a single pill
    •Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a generic medication
    Cons
    •For short-term pain relief only
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen, since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •Liquid solution contains alcohol

  • Common Side Effects of Naproxen vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in 3-9% of people in clinical studies:

    •Heartburn
    •Stomach pain
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Itchy skin
    •Bruising
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Swelling
    •Shortness of breath
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble breathing
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sweating

  • Warnings of Naproxen vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for dependence and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk of accidental overdose
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Serious medication interactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Seizures
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Caution in certain medical conditions
    •Withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Naproxen vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Learn more about Naproxen
    Learn more about Tylenol with codeine

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