Compare Acetaminophen with codeine vs. tramadol
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.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 581 reviewsforAcetaminophen with codeine
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Ultram (tramadol) works well for pain. Although it's a little weaker than other opioids, it can still be addictive.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 642 reviewsfortramadol
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.
- Relieves moderate to severe pain. It has been shown to work as well as other opioid pain medications.
- Compared to typical opioids, it provides unique pain relief and effects on your mood when taken regularly.
- Has a lower chance of causing breathing problems compared to other typical opioids.
- Doesn't cause as much constipation as other opioid pain medicines. Staying hydrated and taking laxatives can help treat this side effect.
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.
- Some people think it's weaker than other opioid pain medications. It can also cause more upset stomach.
- Like other opioid pain relievers, Ultram (tramadol) has a high risk of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death.
- The extended release version of Ultram (tramadol) should only be used for severe pain that requires daily, around-the-clock treatment once alternative treatments haven't worked.
- It's a controlled substance regulated by the federal government. This means that your use of Ultram (tramadol) will be tracked to prevent potential prescription abuse.
- Like all opioids, don't use when pregnant, since the baby can become dependent on it and have withdrawal symptoms after birth.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release capsule
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$6.72
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$26.61
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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 review642 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ultram (tramadol)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
13possible side effects
- Dizziness26%
- Nausea24%
- Constipation24%
- Headache18%
- Sleepiness16%
- Vomiting9%
- Pruritus8%
- CNS Stimulation7%
- Asthenia6%
- Sweating6%
- Dyspepsia5%
- Dry Mouth5%
- Diarrhea5%
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
- Breathing problems
- Age 65 or greater
- Overdose
- Using alcohol, benzodiazepines or other medicines that slow breathing
- Addiction, abuse, and overdose
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Taking with alcohol or benzodiazepines
- Stopping Ultram (tramadol) suddenly
- Interactions with other drugs
- Withdrawal in newborns
- Pregnancy
- Accidental ingestion
- Children can reach medication