Tylenol 3 is a combination of three different drugs, which are acetaminophen, codeine, and caffeine. Acetaminophen is analgesic that is used as a pain reliever. It also has antipyretic properties, which helps reduce fever in the body. Caffeine is a stimulant that acts in the central nervous system. Codeine belongs to the class of drugs known as narcotic analgesics.
Tylenol 3 is used in the management of mild to moderate pain. The combination is commonly used to manage pain that results from conditions such as muscle pain, pain from an injury, menstrual pain, and post-surgical pain. The medication is available under various brand names and dosage forms. A doctor may prescribe the use of this medication for conditions other those mentioned above.
Tylenol 3 comes in various dosage forms. The tablets are round, hard, and white in color. It is engraved with a ‘3' on one side to show the number of the active ingredients available in the pill and to help with the identification of the medication.
The dose of acetaminophen available in Tylenol 3 is 300 milligrams, caffeine is 30 milligrams, and codeine phosphate is 15 milligrams. Other ingredients that are included in the tablet include magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate, and microcrystalline cellulose. The medication does not have gluten, sodium metabisulfite, lactose, or gluten.
What Is Tylenol 3 Used For?
Tylenol 3 is used to treat mild to moderate pain. Codeine is a narcotic pain reliever, while Acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever. Codeine acts in the central nervous system to alter how the brain responds to pain. Acetaminophen also has mild antipyretic effects.
How Is Tylenol 3 Used?
The usual dose for individuals older than 12 years of age is one tablet, taken as recommended by your doctor. If the one tablet is not effective, one can usually take two tablets at the next dose time. However, the dose can be varied, depending on the level of pain that is experienced by the patient. The maximum dose that can be taken is 12 tablets within 24 hours. Administering more than 12 tablets in 24 hours may lead to adverse reactions, such as liver damage which could be severe.
Other factors that may influence the amount of medication to be taken include the body weight, other existing medical conditions, and other medications being taken by the patient. It is not advisable to take Tylenol 3 to relieve pain for a period exceeding five days without consulting your doctor again.
Most pain relievers work best when they are used as soon as the first symptoms of pain occur. The effectiveness of the medication may be lowered when the pain is left to worsen.
It is important to take Tylenol 3 exactly as prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist. The medication should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to prevent it from degradation. The medication should not be disposed of in wastewater. It is advisable to ask a pharmacist for directions on how to dispose of the drug.
Side Effects Of Tylenol 3
The side effects that may result from the use of Tylenol 3 can be mild, moderate, or severe. The side effects discussed below are not experienced by every person who takes the drug. If an individual is concerned about the side effects, it is advisable to discuss the risks and benefits of Tylenol 3 with the doctor or pharmacist.
Most side effects associated with Tylenol 3 have been reported by at least one percent of its users. A majority of the adverse effects can be managed, while some of them can go away on their own without any intervention.
Tylenol 3 may result in withdrawal reactions if it has been used for an extended period or in high doses. The withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if the intake of this medication is stopped abruptly. The withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, muscle aches, sweating, and runny nose. The patient may also present with restlessness and watering eyes. The doctor may recommend a gradual reduction of the dose to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Along with its benefits, Tylenol 3 may rarely result in drug seeking behavior. The risk is commonly seen in alcoholics or those who used to abuse drugs in the past.
Other common side effects that are likely to be experienced by the patient include dizziness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. The patient may also present with drowsiness and lightheadedness.
Other rare side effects include breathing difficulty, mood changes, nervousness, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath. The patient may also experience skin rash, sleeping problems, and stomach upset. Although most of these adverse reactions are rare, they are likely to cause severe health defects if one does not seek immediate medical attention. It is important to check with a health care provider if any of the side effects occur.
Tylenol 3 Final Words
Tylenol 3 is a combination of three different drugs. The drugs contained in Tylenol 3 include codeine, caffeine, and acetaminophen. Codeine is an opioid pain medication. Caffeine is a stimulant and acetaminophen is an analgesic.
Acetaminophen has mild pain relieving properties. It works by increasing the activity of codeine. The use of this medication is associated with several side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
