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.
