Tylenol 3 is a narcotic pain medication that contains both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Codeine. The 3 means that there are three grains of codeine combined with 500 milligrams of acetaminophen. Codeine is a prescription strength narcotic pain reliever and Tylenol is a very effective over-the-counter medicine. When the two are mixed, the pain relief is greater than if only one was taken.

          Codeine can cause nausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach. However, the Tylenol 3 is absorbed better and quicker on an empty stomach. If the nausea is too bad, you can take this pain medication with food. This is not as effective as on an empty stomach, but often does the trick so that the patient is pain free.

          Tylenol 3 is one of the most common narcotics analgesic medications given to patients after oral surgery. Strangely enough, it sometimes works better than a stronger narcotic in many patients. Sometimes the strength of the narcotic has to be lowered to be effective with some patients. It's really strange.

          A narcotic acts like morphine when it hits the patient's liver. The liver converts the codeine to morphine at a smaller dose. Patients can alternate taking Motrin and Tylenol 3 to increase pain relief. If you are having dental problems and would like to consult with a Dr. Padolsky, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.