acetaminophen vs acetaminophen/oxycodone
Side-by-side comparison of acetaminophen and acetaminophen/oxycodone. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
Alcohol, ethyl Hepatotoxicity has occurred in chronic alcoholics following various dose levels (moderate to excessive) of acetaminophen. Oral Contraceptives Increase in glucuronidation resulting in increased plasma clearance and a decreased half-life of acetaminophen. Charcoal (activated) Reduces acetaminophen absorption when administered as soon as possible after overdose.
Recommendation: Avoid taking any other products that contain acetaminophen while using this medicine. Check the labels of all over-the-counter drugs to ensure you do not exceed the safe daily limit.
Tylenol
Percocet
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a medicine that can relieve pain and reduce fever. It is available over-the-counter.
Percocet is a strong pain medicine. It contains acetaminophen and oxycodone, an opioid.
This medicine temporarily relieves minor aches and pains. It can help with headaches, the common cold, backaches, and minor arthritis pain. It can also help with toothaches, muscle aches, premenstrual and menstrual cramps. Acetaminophen can also temporarily reduce fever.
Percocet is used to manage severe pain. It is for pain that requires an opioid medicine. You should only use Percocet if other pain treatments don't work well enough.
Acetaminophen's exact mechanism is not fully understood. It is believed to work in the brain to reduce pain signals. It also helps to lower body temperature when you have a fever.
Oxycodone works in the brain to block pain signals. Acetaminophen also helps to reduce pain and fever. Together, they provide stronger pain relief.
- • Headache
- • Nausea
- • Lightheadedness
- • Dizziness
- • Drowsiness
- • Nausea
- • Vomiting
- Tiredness 34,486
- Feeling sick to your stomach 29,571
- Head pain 28,378
- Aches 28,322
- Loose stool 23,628
- Tiredness 34,486
- Feeling sick to your stomach 29,571
- Head pain 28,378
- Aches 28,322
- Loose stools 23,628
Taking more acetaminophen than directed can cause liver damage. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Percocet has a boxed warning. It can cause addiction, abuse, and misuse, leading to overdose and death. It can also cause life-threatening breathing problems, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Accidental ingestion, even one dose, can cause a fatal overdose, especially in children. Taking Percocet with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can cause severe sedation, breathing problems, coma, and death. Using opioids for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if you take too much.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
Taking Percocet for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Make sure a newborn specialist is available when you deliver your baby.
Also Compare, Nearby Drugs
Compare acetaminophen/oxycodone with
How to Read This acetaminophen vs acetaminophen/oxycodone Comparison
acetaminophen is classified in the Analgesic / Antipyretic drug class, while acetaminophen/oxycodone sits within the Opioid Analgesic Combination class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are split between OTC and prescription status, which affects access and supervision.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, acetaminophen has 144,385 submissions while acetaminophen/oxycodone has 144,385. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to taking both of these medicines at the same time means you are getting the same active ingredient from two different sources, which can lead to a dangerous buildup in your liver.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between acetaminophen and acetaminophen/oxycodone - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.