Acetaminophen-Codeine

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: May 22, 2023

Common Questions


Common Questions about Acetaminophen-Codeine


What is the difference between Tylenol No. 1, Tylenol No. 2, Tylenol No. 3, and Tylenol No. 4?

Tylenol #1, Tylenol #2, Tylenol #3, and Tylenol #4 were brand name drugs for the combination of acetaminophen and codeine but they have since been discontinued. These medications contained the same amount of acetaminophen (325 mg) and variable doses of codeine (7.5 mg in Tylenol No. 1, 15 mg in Tylenol No. 2, 30 mg in Tylenol No. 3, and 60 mg in Tylenol No. 4).



Can I take over-the-counter Tylenol while on acetaminophen-codeine?

Do not take over-the-counter Tylenol (acetaminophen) while on prescription acetaminophen-codeine. Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to serious liver damage, even requiring liver transplantation. The maximum dose of acetaminophen in adults is 3,000-4,000 mg in 24 hours. Make sure you don’t exceed this dose. Talk to your doctor about taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen if you need additional pain relief.



How much acetaminophen-codeine is safe?

The recommended dose of acetaminophen and codeine is 1-2 tablets every 4 hours as needed to control pain. Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, as this medication is habit-forming and carries other serious risks.



How quickly does acetaminophen-codeine kick in?

Acetaminophen-codeine starts working within an hour, but it can take up to 2 hours to get the full effects of this medicine. You may need to take multiple doses throughout the day every 4 hours for pain control.



Is it safe to take acetaminophen-codeine during pregnancy?

Taking acetaminophen-codeine during pregnancy can lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in the baby after birth. This is a potentially life-threatening condition. Talk to your provider about other safer options for pain control if you are pregnant. 



What is the price of acetaminophen-codeine without insurance?

Without insurance, acetaminophen-codeine can be as high as $64.95, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $12.73 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of acetaminophen-codeine with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on acetaminophen-codeine—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for acetaminophen-codeine. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.