Tylenol 3 is a prescription pain medication. It is available through a physician only, and recommended for mild to moderate pain relief. Tylenol 3 is also called Tylenol with Codeine since it includes codeine with acetaminophen. It is recommended to take this medication with meals as the narcotic effect of codeine causes stomach upset and nausea. According to Drugs.com, Tylenol 3 is given to adults only, as no studies have been completed to show safety measures for children under three.
Acetaminophen
Drugs.com states that acetaminophen is one of two active ingredients in Tylenol 3 and is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic, meaning it is used for pain relief and fever reduction. Acetaminophen is absorbed in the digestive and intestinal tract to be distributed throughout the body tissue. The National Institutes of Health describes acetaminophen's ability to work on relieving pain as dulling pain receptive centers, which increases the threshold for pain. Acetaminophen also changes how the body regulates heat to reduce fevers. The acetaminophen dosage in Tylenol 3 ranges from 300 mg to 1000 mg per tablet, with an adult dosage for 24 hours being 4000 mg. A physician determines the level of acetaminophen needed.
Codeine
Drugs.com lists codeine as a narcotic pain medication. It is available with a prescription only for use in mild to moderate pain. Its addition to acetaminophen, makes it a highly effective pain reliever, and should be used only as directed.
Codeine works by entering the body through the digestive tract, and is distributed rapidly to the tissue. Its analgesic effects can be felt quickly and last up to six hours. The adult dosage level for codeine in Tylenol 3 is 15 mg to 60 mg per tablet, with a 24-hour total amount being 360 mg. A physician will determine the amount needed for pain relief, and prescribe the required amount.
Since codeine is listed as a narcotic, it should not be mixed with any other medication unless under the direction of a physician. It also should not be used for any other purposes but pain relief.
Inactive Ingredients
The only two active ingredients in Tylenol 3 are codeine and acetaminophen. The other ingredients listed are used only as tableting agents and to help with assimilating the active ingredients.
Tableting agents include powdered cellulose and magnesium stearate, used to stabilize the active ingredients and also to form tablets. Sodium metabisulfite is used as a preservative, and pregelatinized starch is used to help digest the pill.
References
- Drugs.com: Acetaminophen
- The National Institutes of Health: Acetaminophen
- Drugs.com: Codeine
- "Handbook of Fillers, Extenders, and Diluetants"; Michael Ash, Irene Ash; 2007
