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Acetaminophen and codeine

Brand names: Tylenol with Codeine (Tylenol #3)

Acetaminophen with codeine is an opioid combination for mild to moderate pain.

Brand namesTylenol with Codeine (Tylenol #3)
Type of medicineOpioid pain medicine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

The body changes codeine into morphine at very different speeds, which can be dangerous for some people.

What it's used for

  • Short-term mild to moderate pain

How to take it

  • Take exactly as prescribed, for the shortest time.
  • Count it toward your daily acetaminophen limit.
  • Keep naloxone (Narcan) at home and show family where it is. It can reverse an opioid overdose.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
Call 911Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, blue lips, or can't be woken up
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: addiction, slowed breathing, and deaths in children who change codeine to morphine quickly.
  • Not for children under 12, or under 18 after tonsil or adenoid surgery.
  • Avoid while breastfeeding.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Taking it with alcohol, benzodiazepines (like alprazolam or lorazepam), sleep medicines, gabapentin, or other opioids can slow breathing and cause death.
  • Other acetaminophen products add to the daily limit.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.