Acetaminophen-Codeine Uses

The combination of acetaminophen and codeine is used to treat mild to moderate pain.

There may be other uses of acetaminophen-codeine—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Acetaminophen-Codeine Mechanism of Action

Acetaminophen has analgesic and antipyretic effects by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins in the central nervous system. Prostaglandins are substances that mediate inflammatory reactions in the body. Codeine binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and blocks the transmission of pain signals.

Acetaminophen-Codeine Doses

Acetaminophen and codeine combination is available as a tablet containing 300 mg of acetaminophen and 15 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg of codeine. It is also available as an oral solution with 120 mg of acetaminophen and 12 mg of codeine per 5 mL.

The usual dose of acetaminophen and codeine is 1-2 tablets or 15 mL of the oral solution every 4 hours as needed for pain. You should take the lowest effective dose of this medicine for the shortest period of time.