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Compare Tylenol vs. Tylenol With Codeine

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

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Tylenol with Codeine (acetaminophen/codeine) are both used to relieve pain, but they have some key differences. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter medication that helps with mild pain and fever, and it comes in many forms like tablets, liquids, and suppositories. It generally has few side effects but can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or with alcohol. On the other hand, Tylenol with Codeine is a prescription-only medication that combines acetaminophen with codeine, an opioid, to treat mild-to-moderate pain that non-opioid medications can't relieve. This combination can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation, and it carries risks of dependence and dangerous breathing problems. Tylenol with Codeine is also not recommended for children under 12 or for pregnant women due to the risk of serious side effects. While both medications contain acetaminophen, Tylenol with Codeine requires careful monitoring and is only for short-term use due to its opioid content.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    Tylenol with codeine
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    Tylenol with codeine

  • Summary of Tylenol vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Summary for Analgesic

    Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to lower fever and relieve mild pain in adults and children. It's available in many strengths and formulations, such as tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid. In general, acetaminophen (Tylenol) works within 45 minutes when it's taken by mouth. This medication typically doesn't have many side effects. It's recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your risk for liver problems.

    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 Tylenol vs. Tylenol With Codeine

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

  • Pros and Cons of Tylenol vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Pros and Const for Analgesic
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve mild aches or pain and lower fever
    •Can use in adults and children
    •Available in a lower-cost generic and is available over the counter
    •Comes in many different strengths and forms (e.g., tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, powder, suppository)
    Cons
    •Doesn't help with inflammation and swelling
    •Might not work as well to treat moderate-to-severe pain
    •Not the best option for people who drink alcohol often because of the risk of liver damage
    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 Tylenol vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble breathing
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sweating

  • Warnings of Tylenol vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Accidental overdose
    •Allergic skin reactions
    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 Tylenol vs. Tylenol With Codeine

    Learn more about Acetaminophen
    Learn more about Tylenol with codeine

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