This medication contains two active ingredients:
Tylenol #3 is used in adults and children 12 and over.
There is a risk of addiction and abuse, which is why it should be used with caution.
This article looks at Tylenol #3, its uses, and dosage.
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It also discusses some of the side effects and precautions you should take when using this medicine.
Tylenol #3 is used to relieve pain that isn’t well-controlled with over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
It is a narcotic-analgesiccombination.
Opiates are drugs made from opium, such as morphine.
Opioids are drugs like codeine, which have opiate-like effects.
Ananalgesicis any drug designed to relieve pain.
Tylenol #3 is rarely, if ever, the first choice for treating pain.
It is usually only considered if there isbreakthrough pain.
Off-Label Use
In the past, health care professionals sometimes used this drug to treat coughs.
This practice is frowned upon today.
For this reason, it is almost always used to treat pain that hasn’t responded to other medications.
Tylenol #3 is not right for everyone.
Because codeine is an opioid drug, patients may become addicted to it.
This kind ofaddictioncan be both physical and mental.
Before prescribing this drug, doctors must be sure the benefits outweigh the risks.
To do this, doctors need to evaluate a patient’s risk of becoming addicted.
Risk factors include:
Doctors should also provide counseling to ensure the drug is used safely.
This program aims to reduce the risk of abuse.
The REMS program applies to manufacturers of drugs that have a high risk of serious side effects.
Under REMS, manufacturers have to give healthcare providers compliance education.
This helps providers know when the drug is appropriate and when it is not.
A history of substance abuse doesn’t necessarily mean you could’t use Tylenol #3 if you need it.
It just means there is a greater need for counseling and oversight.
People with untreated alcoholism or substance abuse disorder should not use Tylenol #3.
Precautions and Contraindications
There are certain groups that should never use Tylenol #3.
This is largely because of codeine’s impact on therespiratory system.
Use during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
This condition can be life-threatening to a newborn.
If you need any opioid during pregnancy, weigh the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Breastfeeding is not recommended when taking Tylenol #3.
Other Narcotic Analgesic Combinations
Other narcotic analgesic combinations are available to treat breakthrough pain.
These drugs also have a risk of addiction.
In some cases, the risk of addiction may be greater than it is with Tylenol #3.
These drugs include:
Tylenol #3 isn’t right for people with certain risk factors.
This includes a history of substance abuse and mental illness.
Dosage of Tylenol #3
Tylenol #3 is available as a tablet or oral solution.
It typically lasts between four and six hours.
Modifications
Always take the lowest effective dose.
A doctor should determine thedose for children12 and over.
Adolescents and teens may be able to take tablets.
This is to watch out for signs of respiratory depression.
If the dose is ever increased, you’ll need to be monitored for another 24 to 72 hours.
During this period, your doctor will measure your oxygen saturation levels.
How to Take and Store
Tylenol #3 can be taken with or without food.
The oral solution bottle should be shaken thoroughly before use.
Always measure the oral solution with a medication-measuring gear.
you’ve got the option to get one from your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid “eyeballing” doses, which can lead to overdosing.
Never use a drug past its expiration date.
Be sure to keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.
You should always take the lowest effective dose of Tylenol #3.
Your doctor will need to monitor you for a day or two after you start taking this medication.
Side Effects of Tylenol #3
Tylenol #3 can cause a number of side effects.
Some are low-grade and tend to resolve on their own without treatment.
If you have a severe reaction, you may have to stop taking the drug.
This is a condition whereadrenal gland functionis reduced.
Symptoms include:
If this happens, you’ll need to gradually stop taking Tylenol #3.
You may also be prescribedoral corticosteroid drugsto support adrenal function.
Some people have mild side effects when taking Tylenol #3.
These may include drowsiness, nausea, headache, and constipation.
Severe
High doses of acetaminophen can cause liver injury, even in healthy adults.
Taking 4,000 mg within 24 hours can significantly increase the risk of liver poisoning, also calledhepatotoxicity.
Damage to the liver can be permanent.
Two tablets of Tylenol #3 every four hours is very close to the daily limit of 3,600 mg.
If you drink alcohol while taking acetaminophen, it significantly increases the risk of liver damage.
Signs of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity include:
In the United States, acetaminophen hepatotoxicity is common.
On rare occasions, Tylenol #3 has also been known to causeanaphylaxis.
This is a potentially life-threatening, whole-body allergic reaction.
In most cases, the codeine causes this reaction.
It can trigger symptoms within minutes of taking a dose.
Severe side effects can include liver poisoning and anaphylaxis.
These side effects require immediate treatment.
Some people withepilepsy, for example, may have moreseizureswhen taking Tylenol #3.
If seizures occur or worsen, treatment should be stopped.
Someone with severe liver disease may need to take even less.
The patient should be kept under constant medical supervision while taking the drug.
Tylenol #3 is broken down in the body by an enzyme called CYP450.
This means it can interact with other drugs that are broken down in this way.
Decreases mean the drugs won’t work as well.
Increases can make side effects worse.
There are literally dozens of other drugs that can interact with Tylenol #3.
To avoid drug interactions, always let your doctor know about any drugs you’re taking.
Another concern is withdrawal symptoms.
These can happen when treatment is suddenly stopped.
Adrug treatment programmight be able to help you overcome your addiction.
Tylenol #3 can cause dependency.
If you quit taking it suddenly, it can also cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Always confirm you stop taking Tylenol #3 under a doctor’s supervision.
Summary
Tylenol #3 is a prescription pain reliever that contains a combination of acetaminophen and codeine.
It is typically only used if other pain medications haven’t worked.
Tylenol #3 isn’t for everyone.
It can be addictive and may cause withdrawal symptoms.
It may also cause serious side effects like respiratory depression and liver damage.
Tylenol #3 can interact with certain other drugs.
ensure to tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking, and always take the smallest effective dose.
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