What do Midol products treat?
Midol products are used to help with symptoms of your period or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There are Midol products available as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. These products may improve certain period or PMS symptoms, including the following.
- Aches, pain, or cramps (acetaminophen may help with pain by blocking pain signals in your brain)
- Fatigue or feeling tired (caffeine may increase your alertness and may also help your body get rid of extra water)
- Bloating or extra water weight (pamabrom may help your body get rid of extra water)
- Swelling (pyrilamine is an antihistamine, which may reduce swelling by blocking histamine)
There are also Midol dietary supplements available, but their benefits are not well defined. Midol supplements may contain a combination of ingredients, including ginger, chasteberry, valerian, melatonin, and passionflower. Below are some common reasons why people take Midol supplements.
- Sleep problems due to periods or PMS
- Other symptoms of PMS, such as bloating, tender or sore breasts, and mild mood changes
Note: The FDA has not reviewed Midol supplements for safety and effectiveness, and they are not FDA-approved. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
There are Midol products for adults and children as young as 12 years old.
What are the possible side effects of Midol products?
Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects include drowsiness or feeling tired. The opposite effect, excitability, is also sometimes seen, especially in children.
There is also a Midol product that does not have any medicine in it — Midol Heat Vibes. This is a nonmedicated heat patch that can be used to help relieve menstrual cramps or backaches.
Stop taking a Midol product if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Midol products?
There are several Midol products available that contain different ingredients and are used in different ways. Read and follow the label on the specific Midol product you are taking.
Check with your health care provider before using any Midol products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There may be risks with taking specific Midol products if you have certain medical conditions or take certain medicines. Read and follow the product labeling and talk to your health care provider before using the product if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Glaucoma
- Kidney stones or a low-calcium diet
- Trouble peeing due to an enlarged prostate
- A breathing problem, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- Take certain medicines including sedatives, tranquilizers, or warfarin (a blood thinner)
Acetaminophen. Some Midol products have acetaminophen in them. Acetaminophen is also in many other over-the-counter and prescription cold and pain medicines. Taking too much acetaminophen can hurt your liver. Never take more than the recommended dose, and talk to your health care provider if you are not sure which medicines contain acetaminophen. Drinking three or more drinks per day can also increase your risk for liver problems with acetaminophen.
Caffeine. Some Midol products have caffeine in them. Taking other caffeine-containing medicines, foods, or beverages (including coffee or tea) while using Midol products with caffeine can cause nervousness, trouble sleeping, irritability, or a fast heartbeat.
Drowsiness Risk. Some Midol products contain pyrilamine, melatonin, or passionflower. These may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or do things that require you to be alert until you know how the product affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Midol products that can increase drowsiness.
Proper Use.
- If you are using Midol Long Lasting Relief caplets, do not chew, crush, cut, or dissolve the caplets.
- If you are using Midol Heat Vibes, you should apply these heat patches to the outside of your underwear or thin clothing. Midol Heat Vibes should not be applied directly to your skin. You should ask a health care provider before using this product if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, or rheumatoid arthritis. Other conditions and restrictions may also apply. Read and follow the directions that come with the product.
Depending on the Midol product you are taking, you should stop taking it and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Fever that gets worse or lasts more than three days
- Pain that gets worse or lasts more than 10 days
- Redness or swelling
- Any new symptoms
- Trouble sleeping for more than two weeks
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Midol product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Midol product is right for my PMS or period symptoms?
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines (For Ages 12+)
| Symptoms to Relieve | Products and Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Cramps, bloating or extra water weight, headache, backache, muscle aches, or feeling tired | Midol Complete (caplet or gelcap, including “on-the-go” pouches) — contains acetaminophen, caffeine, and pyrilamine |
| All of the above symptoms except feeling tired | Midol Complete Caffeine-Free (caplet) — contains acetaminophen, pamabrom, and pyrilamine |
| Bloating or extra water weight, swelling, and feeling full | Midol Bloat Relief (caplet) — contains pamabrom |
| Pain relief for up to 8 hours | Midol Long Lasting Relief (caplet) — contains extended-release acetaminophen |
Dietary Supplements (For Ages 18+)
| Symptoms to Relieve | Products and Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Bloating, mild mood changes, and tender/sore breasts | Midol Supplements Peace Out PMS — contains ginger, chasteberry extract, valerian extract |
| Trouble sleeping | Midol Supplements ZZZ’s Please — contains melatonin and passionflower blend |