Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
TYLOX-325 vs CO-GESIC
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Acetaminophen and oxycodone combination. Acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily in the CNS, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. Oxycodone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, activating descending pain pathways and altering pain perception.
CO-GESIC (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) is a combination analgesic. Hydrocodone is an opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS, inhibiting ascending pain pathways and altering pain perception. Acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the CNS, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and elevating pain threshold.
Management of moderate to severe pain requiring an opioid analgesic,Severe pain uncontrolled by non-opioid analgesics
FDA: Management of moderate to moderately severe pain where an opioid is appropriate.,Off-label: Not commonly used off-label; may be considered for refractory pain conditions.
1-2 capsules (oxycodone 5-10 mg / acetaminophen 325-650 mg) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain; maximum 12 capsules per day.
1-2 tablets (hydrocodone 5 mg/acetaminophen 500 mg per tablet) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, maximum 8 tablets per day.
Acetaminophen: 2-3 hours (prolonged in hepatic impairment). Oxycodone: 3-5 hours (extended-release preparation); terminal half-life 4.5-5.5 hours. Clinical context: repeated dosing may lead to accumulation; half-life prolongation in elderly, renal or hepatic disease.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 2–4 hours in adults with normal renal function; prolonged in renal impairment.
Acetaminophen is primarily metabolized via conjugation (glucuronidation and sulfation) and via CYP2E1 (minor pathway forming toxic NAPQI). Oxycodone is metabolized via CYP3A4 (to noroxycodone) and CYP2D6 (to oxymorphone).
Hydrocodone: primarily hepatic via CYP3A4-mediated N-demethylation to norhydrocodone (active) and O-demethylation via CYP2D6 to hydromorphone (active). Acetaminophen: hepatic via glucuronidation and sulfation; minor oxidation by CYP2E1 to NAPQI (toxic metabolite).
Renal: acetaminophen metabolites (60-70% as glucuronide conjugate, 20-30% as sulfate conjugate, 5-10% as cysteine conjugate, 5% unchanged). Oxycodone: renal (primarily metabolites, <10% unchanged); biliary/fecal: minor (oxycodone metabolites).
Primarily renal (60–70% as unchanged drug and metabolites); minor biliary/fecal excretion (<5%).
Acetaminophen: 10-25% (albumin). Oxycodone: 45% (primarily albumin).
<20%; primarily binds to albumin.
Acetaminophen: 0.9-1.0 L/kg; extensive distribution. Oxycodone: 2.6-3.6 L/kg; high tissue penetration including CNS.
1.2–1.9 L/kg; suggests extensive distribution into total body water.
Acetaminophen: oral 85-90%. Oxycodone: oral 60-87% (variable first-pass metabolism).
Oral: 85–95%; rectal: 70–80%.
e GFR 30-60 m L/min: administer at reduced frequency (e.g., every 8-12 hours); e GFR <30 m L/min: avoid use or use with extreme caution (reduce dose by 50% and monitor); hemodialysis: not recommended due to acetaminophen accumulation.
GFR 30-59 m L/min: Administer every 6 hours; GFR 10-29 m L/min: Administer every 8 hours; GFR <10 m L/min: Administer every 12 hours; avoid use in severe renal impairment.
Child-Pugh A (mild): no adjustment necessary; Child-Pugh B (moderate): reduce oxycodone dose by 50% and limit acetaminophen to ≤2000 mg/day; Child-Pugh C (severe): contraindicated.
Child-Pugh Class A: No adjustment; Child-Pugh Class B: Reduce dose by 50% and extend interval to every 8 hours; Child-Pugh Class C: Use not recommended due to hepatotoxicity risk.
Not approved for children <18 years; weight-based dosing: oxycodone 0.05-0.15 mg/kg/dose (max 5 mg) and acetaminophen 10-15 mg/kg/dose (max 650 mg) orally every 4-6 hours as needed; total daily acetaminophen ≤75 mg/kg/day.
Children ≥2 years: Hydrocodone 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/dose (max 5 mg/dose) plus acetaminophen 10-15 mg/kg/dose (max 500 mg/dose) orally every 4-6 hours as needed; maximum 5 doses per day.
Initiate at lowest dose (e.g., 1 capsule every 6 hours); titrate cautiously; avoid in patients with renal impairment or hepatic dysfunction; monitor for opioid-induced constipation, respiratory depression, and acetaminophen hepatotoxicity; consider alternative non-opioid analgesics if feasible.
Start at lower end of dosing range (e.g., 1 tablet every 6 hours) due to increased sensitivity to opioids and renal clearance decline; monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
Addiction, abuse, and misuse; life-threatening respiratory depression; accidental ingestion; neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome; risks from concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants; interaction with alcohol.
Risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse; serious, life-threatening or fatal respiratory depression from opioid use; accidental ingestion of acetaminophen can cause acute liver failure; neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome with prolonged use during pregnancy; risks from concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants.
Respiratory depression, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, adrenal insufficiency, severe hypotension, seizures, serotonin syndrome, hepatotoxicity, risk of overdose with acetaminophen, risks of use in patients with head injury or increased intracranial pressure.
Addiction, abuse, and misuse; respiratory depression; accidental ingestion; neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome; risk with concomitant use of CNS depressants; severe hypotension; seizures; serotonin syndrome; adrenal insufficiency; hepatotoxicity (acetaminophen overdose); hypersensitivity reactions; constipation; urinary retention; impaired mental/physical abilities.
Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or oxycodone, significant respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus.
Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, acetaminophen, or any component; significant respiratory depression; acute or severe bronchial asthma; known or suspected GI obstruction (e.g., paralytic ileus); use of MAO inhibitors (concurrent or within 14 days).
Avoid alcohol. High-fat meals may delay absorption of oxycodone but do not significantly alter overall exposure. No specific food restrictions beyond alcohol.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may alter metabolism of hydrocodone. Take with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. Avoid alcohol-containing foods or beverages. No other significant food interactions.
Pregnancy Category C. Oxycodone crosses placenta. First trimester: risk of neural tube defects not established; avoid unless benefit outweighs risk. Second/third trimester: chronic use may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Third trimester: high doses near term may cause neonatal respiratory depression.
First trimester: No adequate studies; risk cannot be ruled out. Second and third trimesters: Avoid prolonged use or high doses near term due to potential premature closure of ductus arteriosus and oligohydramnios.
Oxycodone is excreted in breast milk; M/P ratio approximately 3.4:1. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cautious use; monitor infant for drowsiness, respiratory depression. Acetaminophen is compatible with breastfeeding. Overall, risk to infant is low with short-term maternal use.
No data on M/P ratio; use with caution. Low molecular weight may be excreted into breast milk; monitor infant for sedation or respiratory depression.
Increased clearance and volume of distribution during pregnancy may require dose adjustment. Pharmacokinetic changes: oxycodone clearance increases up to 1.6-fold in third trimester; acetaminophen clearance unchanged. Clinical monitoring of pain and adverse effects recommended; dose may need upward titration.
No specific dose adjustments required; however, due to increased renal clearance in pregnancy, shortened dosing intervals or higher doses may be needed for adequate analgesia. Monitor clinical response and adjust accordingly.
Tylox-325 contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to opioids or acetaminophen. The maximum daily acetaminophen dose is 4 g; monitor for hepatotoxicity. Use with caution in patients with respiratory compromise, head injury, or increased intracranial pressure. Coadministration with CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines) increases risk of respiratory depression. Constipation is common; prescribe stool softeners prophylactically. Discontinue gradually to avoid withdrawal.
Co-Gesic is a fixed-dose combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Monitor for acetaminophen hepatotoxicity; maximum daily acetaminophen dose should not exceed 4 g. Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance with abuse potential. Use with caution in patients with respiratory compromise, COPD, or sleep apnea. Avoid concurrent use with other CNS depressants including alcohol. In opioid-tolerant patients, withdrawal may occur if discontinued abruptly.
Take exactly as prescribed; do not exceed 4 grams of acetaminophen per day from all sources.,Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.,May cause dizziness or drowsiness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.,Do not take with other medications containing acetaminophen without consulting your doctor.,Contact your doctor if you experience signs of liver damage (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain) or respiratory depression (slow/shallow breathing).,Store securely out of reach of others; this medication can be habit-forming and may be a target for misuse.
Take exactly as prescribed; do not increase dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.,Avoid alcohol while taking this medication due to risk of liver damage and increased sedation.,Do not take other medications containing acetaminophen (Tylenol, many cold/flu products) to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose (4 grams).,This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.,Store securely out of reach of children and dispose of unused medication properly (take-back programs preferred).,Do not crush or chew extended-release formulations (if applicable).,Report signs of liver injury (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain) or respiratory depression (slow/shallow breathing) immediately.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about TYLOX-325 vs CO-GESIC, answered by our medical review team.
TYLOX-325 is a Opioid analgesic combination that works by Acetaminophen and oxycodone combination. Acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily in the CNS, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. Oxycodone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, activating descending pain pathways and altering pain perception.. CO-GESIC is a Opioid Analgesic Combination that works by CO-GESIC (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) is a combination analgesic. Hydrocodone is an opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS, inhibiting ascending pain pathways and altering pain perception. Acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the CNS, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and elevating pain threshold.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between TYLOX-325 and CO-GESIC depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of TYLOX-325 is: 1-2 capsules (oxycodone 5-10 mg / acetaminophen 325-650 mg) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain; maximum 12 capsules per day.. The standard adult dose of CO-GESIC is: 1-2 tablets (hydrocodone 5 mg/acetaminophen 500 mg per tablet) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, maximum 8 tablets per day.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between TYLOX-325 and CO-GESIC in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. TYLOX-325 is classified as Category C. Pregnancy Category C. Oxycodone crosses placenta. First trimester: risk of neural tube defects not established; avoid unless benefit outweighs risk. Second/third trimester: chronic. CO-GESIC is classified as Category C. First trimester: No adequate studies; risk cannot be ruled out. Second and third trimesters: Avoid prolonged use or high doses near term due to potential premature closure of ductu. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.