Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen/codeine) and Percocet (acetaminophen/oxycodone) are two different opioid pain relievers. Both prescription drugs contain a combination of acetaminophen and an opioid medication. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic that’s commonly found as an over-the-counter pain reliever. The addition of an opioid makes Tylenol #3 and Percocet potent pain medicines.

Opioids like codeine and oxycodone work by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, which play a role in the sensation of pain throughout the body. In addition, by binding to these receptors, opioids block pain signals throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Tylenol #3 and Percocet come in pill forms, and they are meant to be used for short-term pain because of their potential for abuse and dependence.

While these opioid pain relievers have similar ingredients and purposes, there are some differences to note between the two.

What are the main differences between Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet?

The main difference between Tylenol #3 and Percocet is that Percocet is a more potent prescription opioid. Tylenol #3 contains codeine, which is weaker than the benchmark opioid, morphine. In contrast, Percocet contains oxycodone, an opioid that’s almost two times more potent than morphine.

Tylenol #3 (Tylenol #3 details) is a Schedule III or V drug with a lower potential for abuse than other opioids. Low doses of codeine can sometimes be purchased over the counter for mild pain or cough. However, there is still a risk of overdose if it is not taken as prescribed. Tylenol #3 comes in 300-30 mg tablets.

Because (Percocet details) it is a Schedule II drug, Percocet has a higher potential for abuse compared to Tylenol #3. Percocet should only be taken when other pain relief options have failed. Otherwise, it is often prescribed at low doses for pain. Percocet comes in 325-2.5 mg, 325-5 mg, 325-7.5 mg, 325-10 mg tablets.

Main differences between Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet
	Tylenol 3	Percocet
Drug class	Opioids Opioid and analgesic combination	Opioids Opioid and analgesic combination
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic version available	Brand and generic version available
What is the generic name?	Acetaminophen/Codeine	Acetaminophen/Oxycodone
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Oral tablet	Oral tablet
What is the standard dosage?	One tablet (300 mg acetaminophen/30 mg codeine) every four hours as needed. Maximum of 4000 mg of acetaminophen per day. Dosage is individualized based on severity of pain.	One to two tablets (2.5 to 10 mg of oxycodone) every four to six hours as needed. Maximum of 4000 mg of acetaminophen per day. Dosage is individualized based on severity of pain.
How long is the typical treatment?	Short-term treatment, as directed by a healthcare provider	Short-term treatment, as directed by a healthcare provider
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults	Adults

Conditions treated by Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet

Tylenol #3 is FDA-approved to treat mild to moderate pain. It is often prescribed to relieve pain after certain injuries or dental procedures. For example, after a wisdom tooth extraction, Tylenol #3 may be given for pain management.

Percocet is FDA approved to treat moderate to severe pain. Like Tylenol #3, it can also be used to relieve pain after injuries and surgeries. Another common use for opioids like Percocet includes cancer and chronic pain relief.

Condition	Tylenol 3	Percocet
Pain severe enough to require the need of an opioid analgesic	Yes	Yes

Is Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet more effective?

Tylenol #3 and Percocet are often prescribed for pain that is not controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They’re both effective treatment options depending on the type and severity of pain being treated. Professional medical advice should be consulted on the best opioid analgesic for specific situations.

In one systematic review of opioids for chronic noncancer pain, codeine was classified as a weak opioid, and oxycodone was classified as a strong opioid. Oxycodone, found in Percocet, was found to be significantly more effective than other drugs, such as naproxen, for chronic pain relief. On the other hand, codeine was found to be as effective as NSAIDs for chronic pain relief.

One clinical trial comparing Tylenol #3 and Percocet found that both opioid drugs are similar in effectiveness. The study, which included 240 subjects, concluded that Tylenol #3 may be a reasonable alternative to “stronger” opioids for acute pain in the arms or legs. Side effects and patient-reported satisfaction were similar in both study groups.

The effectiveness of an opioid analgesic may depend on the severity of pain, dosing, and other treatments being used. This comparison is for informational purposes only. Always seek professional medical advice for the most effective treatment options for pain.

Coverage and cost comparison of Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet

Tylenol #3 is available as a generic drug that’s covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. For 20 generic Tylenol #3 tablets, the average cash price is around $18. With a SingleCare Tylenol #3 coupon, the price may be lowered to around $8. Compare the cash price of this medication with your insurance copay and your price with a discount card.

Percocet is widely available as a generic medication. Generic Percocet is often covered by Medicare and insurance plans. The typical cash price of Percocet tablets is around $22. However, this price can be reduced by using a SingleCare Percocet card, which may bring the cost down to $9.

Get the SingleCare prescription discount card

	Tylenol 3	Percocet
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes	Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes	Yes
Standard dosage	1 tablet (300 mg acetaminophen/30 mg codeine) every 4 hours as needed	1 to 2 tablets (2.5 to 10 mg of oxycodone) every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Typical Medicare copay	$0–$1	$0–$1
SingleCare cost	$8	$9

Common side effects of Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet

The most common side effects of Tylenol #3 and Percocet are drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, and sedation. Both opioid medications can also cause nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and headache. Another common side effect is opioid-induced constipation.

Serious side effects may include respiratory depression and hypersensitivity reactions. Consult medical attention if you experience shallow breathing, severe rash, or swelling of the face.

	Tylenol 3		Percocet
Side effect	Applicable?	Frequency	Applicable?	Frequency
Drowsiness	Yes	*	Yes	*
Lightheadedness	Yes	*	Yes	*
Dizziness	Yes	*	Yes	*
Sedation	Yes	*	Yes	*
Nausea/vomiting	Yes	*	Yes	*
Dry mouth	Yes	*	Yes	*
Headache	Yes	*	Yes	*
Constipation	Yes	*	Yes	*

*not reported

Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

Source: DailyMed (Tylenol 3), DailyMed (Percocet)

Drug interactions of Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet

Tylenol #3 and Percocet are both metabolized, or processed, in the body by liver enzymes. Certain drugs can interfere with how these enzymes work. For example, drugs that act as CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin and ketoconazole, can increase opioid levels in the body. This can lead to serious side effects, such as respiratory depression.

Tylenol #3 and Percocet should be avoided or monitored while taking other drugs like benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. These drugs can have effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Taking these drugs together can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.

The combined use of opioids and serotonergic drugs, like antidepressants, can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Taking opioid analgesics with diuretics can decrease the effectiveness of the diuretics. Dosage may need to be adjusted and blood pressure may need to be monitored while taking both an opioid and diuretic.

Opioids can increase the risk of urinary retention and constipation when taken with anticholinergic drugs.

Drug	Drug class	Tylenol 3	Percocet
Erythromycin Ketoconazole Ritonavir	CYP3A4 inhibitor	Yes	Yes
Rifampin Carbamazepine Phenytoin	CYP3A4 inducer	Yes	Yes
Paroxetine Bupropion Quinidine Fluoxetine	CYP2D6 inhibitor	Yes	Yes
Lorazepam Diazepam Alprazolam Clonazepam	Benzodiazepine	Yes	Yes
Clozapine Lurasidone Olanzapine	Antipsychotic	Yes	Yes
Sertraline Venlafaxine Mirtazapine Trazodone	Serotonergic drug	Yes	Yes
Phenelzine Tranylcypromine Linezolid	Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)	Yes	Yes
Methocarbamol Cyclobenzaprine Carisoprodol	Muscle relaxant	Yes	Yes
Bumetanide Furosemide Hydrochlorothiazide	Diuretic	Yes	Yes
Benztropine Atropine	Anticholinergic drug	Yes	Yes

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions

Warnings of Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet

Tylenol #3 and Percocet are controlled substances with a high potential for abuse, addiction, and misuse. However, because of its potency, Percocet has a higher potential of abuse than Tylenol #3. These opioid medications should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider after a complete medical evaluation.

Abuse and dependence on these opioids can increase the risk of overdose. High doses of opioids can lead to shallow breathing (respiratory depression), confusion, loss of consciousness, and even death. A prescribing doctor may recommend a naloxone reversal kit for certain patients at risk of an opioid overdose.

Opioid medications should be tapered, or discontinued gradually. Otherwise, there is a risk of withdrawal symptoms after long-term use. Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, fatigue, sweating, and seizures.

Consult a healthcare provider for other possible warnings and precautions associated with these prescription drugs.

Frequently asked questions about Tylenol 3 vs. Percocet

What is Tylenol 3?

Tylenol #3, also known as the combination of acetaminophen and codeine, is an opioid pain reliever. It is FDA approved for mild to moderate pain. Tylenol #3 is often prescribed after an injury or dental procedure. It is available in oral tablets with a strength of 300 mg of acetaminophen and 30 mg of codeine.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is the brand name for the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone. It is an opioid pain reliever FDA approved to treat moderate to severe pain. It can be prescribed for acute and chronic pain. Percocet is available as an oral tablet.

Are Tylenol 3 and Percocet the same?

Tylenol #3 and Percocet are both opioid painkillers, but they are not the same. Although they both contain acetaminophen, they contain different opioid ingredients; Tylenol #3 contains codeine while Percocet contains oxycodone.

Is Tylenol 3 or Percocet better?

Percocet contains a stronger opioid ingredient than Tylenol #3. Compared to Tylenol #3, Percocet may be prescribed more often for severe pain. However, the effectiveness of either opioid medication ultimately depends on the dosage used, the severity of pain being treated, and other pain relief therapies being used.

Can I use Tylenol 3 or Percocet while pregnant?

Opioid painkillers are not generally recommended for use while pregnant. There is a potential for these opioids to cause birth defects. However, few studies have been conducted on the safety of opioids during pregnancy. Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to respiratory depression or withdrawal symptoms in the baby. Opioids should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.

Can I use Tylenol 3 or Percocet with alcohol?

It is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Tylenol #3 or Percocet. Doing so can increase the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, and confusion. Drinking alcohol may also increase the risk of opioid overdose, coma, or even death in certain people, especially if there’s a history of abuse, addiction, and dependence on the drug.