How to Use Tylenol 3

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By Maggie Hira
eHow Contributing Writer

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Tylenol 3 is a pain-relieving drug that contains codeine. Its combination of a narcotic analgesic and an acetaminophen makes it a more potent pain-reliever than either medicine by itself. Tylenol 3 is prescribed to treat pain when other types of Tylenol are insufficient. This medication is available only by prescription and must be taken exactly as prescribed for best results.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Follow your doctor's advice regarding the dosage of Tylenol 3 that's proper for you.
Step 2

Take one or two capsules of Tylenol 3 containing 30 mg of codeine every four hours, or take one capsule of Tylenol 3 containing 60 mg of codeine every four hours. These are average doses, but make sure to consult your doctor before you start taking this medicine. For children, follow the doctor's instructions about the correct dosage.
Step 3

Take one tablespoon of the oral solution of Tylenol 3 every four hours. For children, the dosage must be determined by a doctor.
Step 4

Take a missed dose of Tylenol 3 as soon as you remember it. If you miss your dose by more than an hour, skip it and take the next dose.
Step 5

Store Tylenol 3 in a cool, dry, dark place away from humidity, which can cause the medicine to break down.

Tips & Warnings

Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or nursing. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and light-headedness. Nausea or vomiting may occur after you take the initial doses.
Seek emergency help if you feel any of these effects after taking the medicine: clammy skin, severe confusion, seizures, diarrhea, severe dizziness and drowsiness, low blood pressure, continuing nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, stomach cramps, severe nervousness, stomach cramps or stomach pain, and pinpoint eye pupils. Rare side effects include dark urine, painful urination, hallucinations, uncontrolled muscle movements, jaundice, skin rash or hives, buzzing in ears, redness in face, irregular breathing, pale stool, and unusual bleeding or bruising.