Drugs are chemical substances that can affect an individuals’ physical as well as mental state. Drugs affect a persons’ senses diversely which is later depicted through an individuals’ behaviour, way of speech, and body language, etc. Not all drugs are exploited for drug abuse. Drugs are consumed in a prescribed amount by doctors for certain health illnesses too. Tylenol 3 and Percocet are the two drugs among many.
Tylenol 3 vs Percocet
The main difference between Tylenol 3 and Percocet is that Tylenol 3 is a drug that is made by a mixture of acetominophen and codeine, whereas Percocet is a drug that is made by the mixture of acetominophen and oxycodone. Tylenol 3 is not as strong as Percocet, whereas Percocet is a strong drug for relieving pain.
Tylenol 3 is a drug that can be consumed orally only under a medical prescription from a doctor. The drug is used for relieving an individual from severe to mild pain. It is generally prescribed to an individual who’s of 12 years of age or more and adults. The drug has a risk of drug abuse, so it must be consumed carefully.
While, Percocet is a drug and a brand name of a mixture of acetaminophen and oxycodone. The drug is an approved pain reliever from FDA. The drug contains oxycodone, which is twice more potent than morphine. The potent drug is often prescribed in low doses and is not combined with other pain relief options. Percocet is only prescribed to an individual when a non-opioid pain killer couldn’t aid much because Percocet is easily exploited for drug abuse, so this must be consumed carefully under supervision.
Comparison Table Between Tylenol 3 and Percocet
| Parameters of Comparison | Tylenol 3 | Percocet |
| Composition | It is made by mixing acetominophen and codeine. | It is made by mixing acetominophen and oxycodone. |
| Consumption dosage | 1 to 2 pills in every 4 hours. | 1 to 2 pills in every 6 hours. |
| Treatment | It helps in relieving mild pain. | It helps in relieving severe pain. |
| Availability | It is easily available even without a prescription. | It is not available without a medical prescription. |
| Quantity of component | It has comparatively less quantity of acetominophen. | It has comparatively 25gm of acetominophen more in quantity. |
What is Tylenol 3?
Tylenol 3 is a type of drug. The constituents of the drug is acetominophen and codeine. The drug is widely consumed orally, only under a medical prescription from a doctor. It is used for relieving an individual from severe to mild pain. The drug is generally prescribed to an individual who’s of 12 years of age or more and adults.
Tylenol 3 has a risk of drug abuse, so it must be consumed carefully. There are certain precautions and contradictions that one must know before consuming Tylenol 3. As codeine is a component that is present in Tylenol 3, this arises the concern because codeine can cause respiratory depression, low blood oxygen levels and in severe cases it can be fatal too. Codeine is also present in many cough syrups.
These cough syrups affect the part of the brain called the hypothalamus which controls the cough reflex, and therefore this is how codeine helps in lowering the coughing in children as well as adults. Tylenol 3 might have some side effects after consumption. The most common side effects can be vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, headache, shortness of breath and extreme sweating.
The least common side effects can be insomnia, fatigue, nervousness, palpitations, diarrhoea, cramps and abdominal inconvenience. In adults, a high dosage of Tylenol 3 can cause dark urine, jaundice and pale stools.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a type of drug. The constituents of the drug are acetominophen and oxycodone. As acetominophen is a low potent “pain reliever” and oxycodone is a narcotic opioid “pain reliever”, therefore Percocet is a widely chosen pain killer. Percocet is only prescribed to an individual when a non-opioid pain killer couldn’t aid much because Percocet is easily exploited for drug abuse, so this must be consumed carefully under supervision.
Percocet also has certain side effects on consumers. The common side effects are constipation, headache, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, itchy eyes, blurred vision and feelings of extreme sadness or happiness. The severe side effects can be dangerous and those are convulsions, urination problems, passing out, unusual bleeding and weakness, cold skin, weak pulse rate and shallow breathing.
It might even cause severe skin rashes. A person who has hives must not consume Percocet. One must avoid consuming alcohol after the consumption of Percocet as it might be fatal. There are certain precautions to be aware of before consuming Percocet. The inactive ingredients of the drug can cause allergic reactions. The drug has the potential to cause drowsiness and dizziness. The drug can even cause hypersensitivity reactions.
An individual having a history of drug abuse must be kept away from this drug as they can do overdose and can cause death. If an individual is about to have surgery or an operation then it must be informed to the doctor about the history of Percocet consumption. This drug must be stored in a cold place and away from heat and moisture.
Main Differences Between Tylenol 3 and Percocet
- Tylenol 3 is easily available in a store, whereas Percocet is available only under medical prescription.
- The generic name of Tylenol 3 is acetominophen-codeine, whereas the generic name of Percocet is oxycodone-acetominophen.
- Tylenol 3 is used as a mild pain reliever, whereas Percocet is used as a severe pain reliever.
- Tylenol 3 has less quantity of acetominophen, whereas Percocet has 25gm more of acetominophen in quantity.
- Tylenol 3 is a Schedule 3 or 5 type of drug while Percocet is a Schedule 2 type of drug.
- Tylenol 3 must be consumed as 1 to 2 pills every 4 hours, whereas Percocet must be consumed as 1 to 2 pills every 6 hours.
Conclusion
Tylenol 3 and Percocet are both drugs and opioid painkillers. Both the drugs have acetominophen in their composition in different quantities. Due to the acetominophen quantity, it determines the effectiveness of the drugs differently. The ingredients of opioid is also different in both the drugs. Percocet is a stronger pain killer than Tylenol 3 because of the higher amount of acetominophen in it.
Tylenol 3 is used for treating milder pain and is less exploited for drug abuse. Percocet is hard to be available but is exploited more for drug abuse. Percocet has severe side effects of consumption than Tylenol 3. Both the drugs have serious side-effects and should always be taken under supervision of a specialist or professional.
References
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245/s10434-012-2447-7