Acetaminophen/Codeine (Oral)
Key points
- Tylenol w/Codeine #3, Tylenol w/Codeine #4, Pyregesic-C, Tylenol w/Codeine There may be other brand names for this medicine.
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or codeine, or to other narcotic medicines (such as Percocetreg;, Percodanreg;, Darvonreg;, Vicodinreg;).
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Acetaminophen/Codeine (By Mouth)
Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen), Codeine (KOE-deen)
Treats mild to moderately severe pain. This medicine contains a narcotic pain reliever.
Brand Name(s):
Tylenol w/Codeine #3, Tylenol w/Codeine #4, Pyregesic-C, Tylenol w/Codeine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or codeine, or to other narcotic medicines (such as Percocetreg;, Percodanreg;, Darvonreg;, Vicodinreg;).
How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet, Capsule, Liquid
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
- If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with food or milk.
- Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
- If you are using this medicine on a regular schedule and you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
- Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid or keep it in the refrigerator.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.