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Percocet vs. Tylenol With Codeine

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

Key takeaways

Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) is a prescription medication that treats severe pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Tylenol #3 also contains an opioid (codeine), but it also contains acetaminophen (Tylenol). 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 potential misuse and overdose.

Percocet

(oxycodone / acetaminophen)

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Tylenol with Codeine

 

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Summary for Percocet

Prescription only

Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) is a combination opioid medication. It's used to treat pain when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

Indications for Percocet

  • Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons for Percocet

Pros

  • Can provide pain relief within 10 to 30 minutes
  • Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

Cons

  • High risk of misuse and dependency
  • Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
  • A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled

Common Side Effects for Percocet

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Itching

Warnings for Percocet

  • Potential for addiction and misuse
  • Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Opioid overdose
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Liver damage
  • Drug interactions
  • Harm to newborn babies
  • Severe allergic and skin reactions
  • Physical dependence and withdrawal
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low adrenal hormone levels
  • Seizures

Summary for Tylenol With Codeine

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 for Tylenol With Codeine

Pros and Cons for Tylenol With Codeine

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 for Tylenol With Codeine

  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sweating

Warnings for Tylenol With Codeine

  • 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 Percocet vs. Tylenol With Codeine

Price Card Drug Icon
Oxycodone/Acetaminophen90 tablets / 5mg/325mg
$24.65$59.01
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Price Card Drug Icon
Acetaminophen/Codeine12 tablets / 300mg/30mg
$10.69$16.25
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