Compare Acetaminophen with codeine vs. oxycodone
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats mild to moderate pain.
Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine) is a good option to treat pain when over-the-counter medicines aren't enough, but don't take too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) since it can hurt your liver.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 581 reviewsforAcetaminophen with codeine
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Oxycontin (oxycodone) treats moderate to severe pain, but can be habit-forming, especially if used long-term.
●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 1241 reviewsforoxycodone
Upsides
- Combination pain medicine with an opioid component (codeine) and non-opioid component (acetaminophen or Tylenol) that takes advantage of different modes of pain relief in a single pill.
- Provides quick relief for mild to moderate pain.
- Good for as-needed pain and control.
- Generally well tolerated, especially if taken with food to lower risk of stomach upset.
- Lower rates of misuse compared to pure opioid medicines.
- Oxycontin (oxycodone) is available in a tamper-resistant form to lessen the risk of abuse.
- Liquid form is available if you have trouble swallowing.
- Available in a generic version.
- The extended-release pill provides around-the-clock pain relief with convenient once or twice daily dosing.
Downsides
- Dizziness and drowsiness is common, but your body may adjust.
- Many people get constipated taking Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine).
- All opioid containing medicines have the risk of addiction and withdrawal when used long-term.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has a high risk of liver failure and death if you take more than the maximum daily dose. Be very careful since many over-the-counter medicines also have acetaminophen.
- Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea commonly occur.
- Long-term use can cause dependence and tolerance.
- Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
- It’s not safe to start taking extended-release pills if you've never taken an opioid medicine before.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$7.43
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$71.02
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
581 reviews so far
69%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine)?
Leave a review1241 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Oxycontin (oxycodone)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
10possible side effects
- Constipation23%
- Nausea23%
- Sleepiness23%
- Dizziness13%
- Itchiness13%
- Vomiting12%
- Headache7%
- Dry mouth6%
- Weakness6%
- Sweating5%
Risks and risk factors
- Liver failure and death
- Alcohol use
- Taking over-the-counter medicines with acetaminophen
- History of liver disease
- High risk to children
- Use with other CNS depressants
- Use with alcohol
- Use with benzodiazepines
- Use with other opiates
- Severe allergic reaction
- Slowed breathing
- Age 65 or greater
- High dosages
- After dose change
- History of lung problems
- Taking other painkillers or sedatives
- Harm to newborn babies
- Long-term use during pregnancy
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Younger age
- Interactions with other medicines
- Taking medicines that also cause sleepiness or slowed breathing
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Age 65 or greater
- High dosages
- Taking other painkillers or sedatives
- Death from overdose
- Taking alcohol, other opioids, or benzodiazepines
- Children age 18 and younger