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Tylenol vs. Vicoprofen

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

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone/ibuprofen (Vicoprofen) are both used to relieve pain, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter analgesic that helps with mild pain and fever. It is available in various forms like tablets, liquids, and suppositories. While acetaminophen is generally safe with few side effects, it can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or with alcohol. Hydrocodone/ibuprofen (Vicoprofen), on the other hand, is a prescription-only combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (ibuprofen). It is used for more severe pain that non-opioid medications can't relieve. Hydrocodone/ibuprofen has more serious risks, including addiction, slowed breathing, and stomach bleeding. It requires careful monitoring due to these risks and is considered a Schedule II controlled medication due to its potential for misuse. Both medications have generic forms available, helping to make them more affordable.

Acetaminophen

(Tylenol)

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Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

 

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Summary for Tylenol

Over-the-counter

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic used for pain relief and to reduce fever in adults and children. It comes in many forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, liquids, powders, and suppositories. Your dose depends on your age and the product you take. Side effects are rare when taken as directed, but could include nausea and headache. Taking too much could cause serious liver problems.

Indications for Tylenol

Pros and Cons for Tylenol

Pros

  • Very well tolerated, side effects are rare
  • Safe for both adults and children
  • Available over the counter in many different forms
  • Doesn't make you sleepy

Cons

  • Doesn't help with inflammation and swelling
  • Risk of liver damage at high doses
  • Might not work as well to treat moderate-to-severe pain
  • Can interact with alcohol and raise your risk of liver problems

Common Side Effects for Tylenol

Warnings for Tylenol

  • Liver damage
  • Accidental overdose
  • Allergic skin reactions

Summary for Vicoprofen

Prescription only

Hydrocodone/ibuprofen is a combination opioid medication that's used to treat pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough relief. Your provider will discuss with you about your specific needs for pain relief to determine your dosage. Hydrocodone/ibuprofen can commonly cause side effects like headache, sleepiness, and constipation. This medication also has many serious warnings, such as slowed breathing, risk of misuse and dependency, and stomach bleeding. Although the brand name (Vicoprofen) is no longer available, the generic form is still on the market.

Indications for Vicoprofen

Pros and Cons for Vicoprofen

Pros

  • Helps relieve pain that isn't well-controlled with non-opioid pain medications alone
  • Combines two different medications to ease pain in different ways
  • Might start to notice pain relief in 30 minutes
  • Available in a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • Can cause serious slow breathing and stomach and heart problems
  • Shouldn't use with other NSAID medications
  • Is a controlled substance because of the risk of misuse and dependency so there are special requirements to getting a prescription filled

Common Side Effects for Vicoprofen

  • Headache (27%)
  • Constipation (22%)
  • Nausea (21%)
  • Sleepiness or tiredness (22%)
  • Dizziness (14%)
  • Indigestion (12%)

Warnings for Vicoprofen

  • Potential for addiction and misuse
  • Potentially deadly slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Risk of accidental overdose
  • Blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
  • Stomach bleeding and ulcers
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Harm to newborn babies
  • Severely low blood pressure
  • High blood pressure, swelling, and heart failure
  • Kidney damage and high potassium levels
  • Liver problems
  • Low hormone levels
  • Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions
  • Physical dependence and withdrawal
  • Serious allergic reaction and skin reactions
  • Asthma attack in people with asthma

Prices with our coupons for Tylenol vs. Vicoprofen

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Acetaminophen30 tablets / 325mg
$9.30-
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Hydrocodone/Ibuprofen90 tablets / 7.5mg/200mg
$24.48-
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