Two medicines, side by side
Oxycodone vs acetaminophen
Oxycodone and acetaminophen are both labeled for pain. Drugs@FDA records approvals of oxycodone since 1998 and of acetaminophen since 1968. Pharmacies paid $0.0884 per oxycodone HCl (ir) 5 mg tablet and $0.0339 per unit (Acetaminophen 500 mg caplet) (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the oxycodone FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 6, 2026); the acetaminophen FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 13, 2024).
Highlights of the oxycodone record
Oxycodone (Oxycontin) · label of May 6, 2026
SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Oxycodone hydrochloride tablets expose users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess patient's risk before prescribing and reassess regularly for these behaviors and conditions.
Used for
From the label: indicationsOxycodone Hydrochloride Tablets, USP are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Oxycodone hydrochloride tablets are an opioid agonist indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- October 26, 1998
- Generic labelers
- 32 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0884 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 11
Highlights of the acetaminophen record
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) · label of November 13, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationstemporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: minor pain of arthritis muscular aches backache premenstrual and menstrual cramps the common cold headache toothache temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 7, 1968
- Generic labelers
- 89 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0339 per unit
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 19
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Oxycodone label of May 6, 2026, Acetaminophen label of November 13, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do oxycodone and acetaminophen differ on the record?
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: oxycodone since 2004; acetaminophen since 1986 (Drugs@FDA).
DEA schedule: oxycodone CII; acetaminophen none.
| Oxycodone | Acetaminophen | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Fever, Cough and cold, Pain |
| Pharmacologic class | Opioid Agonist | n/a |
| How it works (label) | Oxycodone is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of oxycodone is analgesia. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Apparent elimination half-life of oxycodone following the administration of oxycodone hydrochloride tablets was 3.5 to 4 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | October 26, 1998 | November 7, 1968 |
| First generic approved | February 6, 2004 | December 1, 1986 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 32 labelers | 89 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0884 per tablet (Oxycodone HCl (ir) 5 mg tablet) | $0.0339 per unit (Acetaminophen 500 mg caplet) |
| 12-month price change | -6% | +5% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 11 | 19 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 311,625 | 445,075 |
| DEA schedule | CII | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Oxycodone label, warnings and precautionsRisks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of oxycodone hydrochloride tablets with benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants, including alcohol (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids …
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to oxycodone
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions