Description

Tylenol #3

Tylenol with Codeine is a prescription pain medicine that contains 2 active ingredients: acetaminophen and codeine. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Codeine is an opioid pain medicine similar to morphine. It acts in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. This combination might be prescribed if other pain-relieving options are not adequate. Official prescribing information describes acetaminophen and codeine products as pain relievers, but warns that codeine can pose serious risks and should be used carefully.

### What is Tylenol with Codeine Used For?

Tylenol with Codeine may be prescribed by doctors to help with certain types of pain. Combination acetaminophen and codeine products are used when an opioid analgesic is considered appropriate. The precise strength and treatment schedule will vary according to the patient and the prescription.

Paracetamol is a non-opioid painkiller, while codeine is an opioid painkiller. Accordingly, this combination may offer a different level of pain control than paracetamol alone.

How Does Codeine Tylenol Work?

The two ingredients have different mechanisms. Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Meanwhile, codeine has effects on the central nervous system and is an opioid analgesic.

This combination can therefore help to reduce the feeling of pain. But codeine can also make you sleepy, dizzy and constipated and slow your breath. For this reason, patients should use this medicine exactly as directed and not use more than directed.

Side effects Common

Like all medicines, Tylenol with Codeine can cause side effects. Some common effects may include:

• Sleepiness or Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach ache

You may notice these effects more when you start your treatment. Patients should therefore be cautious when driving or performing any activity that demands their full attention until they know how the medicine will affect them.

Important Safety Information

Codeine is an opioid, and therefore carries risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose and potentially life-threatening respiratory depression. A boxed warning about these risks is currently included in the labelling of acetaminophen and codeine products.

Taking opioids with benzodiazepines or other drugs that depress your central nervous system can also increase the risk of extreme sedation and breathing problems. Patients should report to their healthcare professional about any medicines, supplements and substances that they take.

Caution is advised when combining this product with other medications containing acetaminophen; patients should check the labels of any other medications they are taking for acetaminophen. Taking more than one acetaminophen-containing product raises the risk of liver injury.

Who Should Be More Careful?

People with breathing problems, liver disease, a history of substance-use problems, or certain other medical conditions may need further evaluation before using an acetaminophen-and-codeine medicine. Special caution is advised in children and adolescents as codeine can cause serious respiratory problems in some young patients.

Pregnant or nursing women should also discuss the use of codeine with a healthcare provider before taking it. This medication may pass into breast milk and may be dangerous for a nursing infant.

How Do You Take Tylenol with Codeine?

Always follow the directions on the prescription label and the directions of your health care professional. Do not give the medicine to someone else or take a larger dose or more often than prescribed.

And never combine it with alcohol or other sedating substances unless instructed by a healthcare provider. Store the medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.

Final thought

Tylenol with Codeine is a prescription pain reliever that combines acetaminophen and codeine. Codeine is an opioid and as such it needs responsible use. It is important for patients to take medicines as advised by the prescription. It is important to know about the side effects of medicines. Patients should discuss with the healthcare professional about their other medicines and health conditions.