Acetaminophen / Codeine
Acetaminophen/Codeine is a combination analgesic used to treat mild to moderate pain when other pain relievers are insufficient. It combines a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen) with an opioid (codeine) to provide more effective pain relief than either component alone. This medication is typically prescribed for short-term use due to the risks associated with the opioid component.
A combination pain medication that blends acetaminophen with the opioid codeine for enhanced pain relief, reserved for cases where simpler analgesics aren't effective.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 817579
- Generic
- Acetaminophen / Codeine
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- Tylenol with Codeine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of mild to moderate pain, often following surgery, injury, or dental procedures. May also be used for cough suppression due to the codeine component.
Acetaminophen reduces pain and fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes in the brain, while codeine is metabolized to morphine, which binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to alter pain perception.
Risk of dependence, addiction, and respiratory depression with prolonged use. Acetaminophen component poses hepatotoxicity risk at high doses. Contraindicated in children under 12 and adolescents after certain surgeries due to serious breathing risks. Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy