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Compare Oxycodone vs. Tylenol With Codeine

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

Key takeaways

Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone) is a prescription medication that treats severe pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Acetaminophen / codeine (Tylenol #3) also contains an opioid, but it’s prescribed for mild-to-moderate pain. All opioids are controlled substances and have side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. More seriously, they can lead to misuse and overdose. However, these serious risks are more likely with oxycodone than they are with acetaminophen / codeine.

  • Oxycodone
    Tylenol with codeine
  • Oxycodone
    Tylenol with codeine

  • Summary of Oxycodone vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Immediate-release oxycodone, also known by its brand names Roxicodone and Oxaydo, is an opioid. It's used to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Immediate-release oxycodone is available as tablets, capsules, and a liquid that are taken by mouth. Your prescriber will work with you to find the dosage for your individual needs, but it's typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for your pain. Common side effects include making you constipated, sleepy, and dizzy. Oxycodone is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependence.

    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 Oxycodone vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
    Indications for
    •Treatment of mild-to-moderate pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Oxycodone vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Immediate-release oxycodone can start to relieve pain within 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost generic (except Oxaydo)
    Cons
    •High risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Have special requirements to fill a prescription for it because it's a controlled substance
    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 Oxycodone vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Vomiting
    •Itching
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble sleeping
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble breathing
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sweating

  • Warnings of Oxycodone vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    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 Oxycodone vs. Tylenol With Codeine

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