Pamprin vs. Midol for Menstrual Symptoms

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Pamprin and Midol are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be used to relieve symptoms associated with menstrual periods.

Each one is available in various formulations to address different symptoms.

This article will review the different formulations of each drug.

What Is Pamprin?

Pamprin is a brand-name OTC medication that helps relieve symptoms associated with menstrual periods. It comes in formulations of different ingredients, strengths, and dosing.

Different Pamprin products include Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength and Pamprin Max Menstrual Pain Relief, also known as Pamprin Max Pain + Energy.

Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength

Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength is an OTC caplet that is taken by mouth. This product helps temporarily relieve the following symptoms associated with periods:

• Menstrual cramps

• Headache

• Bloating/water weight

• Backache

• Muscle aches

• Irritability

Each caplet contains the following ingredients, which have different purposes:

• Acetaminophen 500 milligrams (mg): Relieves pain from cramps, headache, and/or back pain

• Pamabrom 25 mg: A diuretic, also known as a water pill, helps bloating and swelling

• Pyrilamine maleate 15 mg: An antihistamine treats allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine

This medicine can be used in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. The dosage is two caplets by mouth with water every six hours as needed. Do not take more than eight caplets in 24 hours. Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength is not used in individuals under 12 years old.

Precautions for Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength include:

• Acetaminophen, an ingredient in this medicine, may cause severe skin reactions. If you have a rash, red skin, or blisters, stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help.

• Liver damage can occur if you take too much acetaminophen. Do not exceed eight caplets per day. Do not take this medicine with other medicines that contain acetaminophen.

• Ask a healthcare provider before using Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength if you have liver problems, breathing problems, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate. Check with a healthcare provider before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine if you take the blood thinner Jantoven (warfarin), or any sedating medications.

• Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength may cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol and sedative medications. Do not drive until you know how this medication affects you.

• Stop using this medicine and consult a healthcare provider if pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days, if you have redness or swelling, or if new or any concerning symptoms occur.

Pamprin Max Menstrual Pain Relief

Pamprin Max Menstrual Pain Relief, also known as Pamprin Max Pain + Energy, is available OTC. It comes as a tablet that is taken by mouth. This product helps temporarily relieve the following symptoms associated with periods:

• Menstrual cramps
  

• Headache
  

• Backache
  

• Fatigue
  

• Bloating

Pamprin Max Menstrual Pain Relief contains a slightly different formulation than Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength. Each tablet contains:

• Acetaminophen 250 mg (pain reliever)

• Aspirin 250 mg (relieves pain and inflammation)

• Caffeine 65 mg (helps with symptoms of fatigue)

The recommended dosage for adults and adolescents 12 years and older is two tablets by mouth with water every six hours as needed. Do not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours.

Although the package label indicates that this product can be used in individuals 12 years and older, aspirin is associated with a severe condition called Reye's syndrome. It is not routinely recommended for use in children and adolescents.

Therefore, check with a healthcare provider before using this medicine in adolescents.

Precautions for Pamprin Max Pain + Energy include:

• Check with a healthcare provider before using this medicine in adolescents due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

• Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction. If you have symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical help.

• Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and can cause severe stomach bleeding. The risk of stomach bleeding is higher if you are 60 years or older, have had previous stomach or bleeding problems, take certain medications (such as a blood thinner, steroid, or other NSAID), drink alcohol, take a higher dose, or take the medicine for longer than recommended. If any of these apply to you, consult a healthcare provider before taking this medicine.

• Acetaminophen, an ingredient in this medicine, may cause severe skin reactions. If you have a rash, red skin, or blisters, stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help.

• Liver damage can occur if you take too much acetaminophen. Do not exceed eight caplets per day. Do not take this medicine with other medicines that contain acetaminophen. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure if any of the medicines you take contain acetaminophen.

• The amount of caffeine in a dose of this medicine is similar to the amount in a cup of coffee. Limit other caffeine intake while taking this medicine.

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to aspirin, acetaminophen, or any pain reliever.

• Check with a healthcare provider before using this medicine if you have liver problems, stomach problems, high blood pressure, or heart, liver, or kidney problems. Also check with a healthcare provider if you take a diuretic (water pill) or any medicine for arthritis, gout, or diabetes.
  

• Stop using this medicine if you have serious side effects, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), worsening pain, or black stools.

• Check with a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Aspirin should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy because it can cause problems in the unborn baby or problems during delivery.
  

What Is Midol?

Like Pamprin, Midol is available in several formulations and is used to help relieve symptoms of menstrual periods. It is available OTC in several brand-name product forms.

Different Midol products include:

• Midol Complete

• Midol Complete Caffeine-Free Caplets

• Midol Bloat Relief

• Midol Long-Lasting Relief

• Midol Heat Vibes

Midol Complete

Midol Complete is available OTC and is a tablet that is taken by mouth. This product helps temporarily relieve the following symptoms associated with periods:

• Cramps

• Bloating/water weight

• Headache

• Backache

• Muscle aches

• Fatigue

Each tablet contains:

• Acetaminophen 500 mg

• Caffeine 60 mg

• Pyrilamine maleate 15 mg

The recommended dose for people 12 years and older is two caplets with water every six hours as needed, not to exceed six caplets per day.

Precautions for Midol Complete include:

• Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Do not exceed six caplets per day. Do not combine this medicine with other drugs that contain acetaminophen.

• Consult your healthcare provider before using Midol Complete if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver or lung problems, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate. Also, check with your healthcare provider if you take warfarin or any type of sedating drug.

• This medicine may cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol. Do not drive until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Limit other sources of caffeine.
  

• Stop using Midol Complete and consult your healthcare provider if pain worsens or lasts longer than 10 days, if you have redness or swelling, or if any new or concerning symptoms occur.

Midol Complete Caffeine Free Caplets

Midol Complete Caffeine Free Caplets are available OTC and are tablets that are taken by mouth. This product helps temporarily relieve the following symptoms associated with periods. Unlike the regular Midol Complete formulation, it does not contain caffeine.

Each caplet contains:

• Acetaminophen 500 mg

• Pamabrom 25 mg

• Pyrilamine maleate 15 mg

The dosage for adults and adolescents 12 years and older is two caplets by mouth with water every six hours as needed, not to exceed six caplets per day.

Precautions for Midol Complete Caffeine Free are the same as for Midol Complete, except that this drug does not contain caffeine, so you do not have to limit caffeine.

Midol Bloat Relief

Midol Bloat Relief is available OTC and is a tablet taken by mouth. This diuretic medicine helps temporarily relieve bloating and water weight gain associated with menstrual periods.

Each tablet contains pamabrom 50 mg. The dosage for adults and adolescents 12 years and older is one caplet by mouth with water every six hours as needed, not to exceed four caplets per day.

Precautions for Midol Bloat Relief include:

• Do not use it if you are allergic to any ingredient in the medication.

• Consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Midol Long Lasting Relief

Midol Long Lasting Relief is available as a tablet that is taken by mouth, and can be purchased over the counter. This medication contains one ingredient: acetaminophen 650 mg. It can be used for menstrual cramps, but for other uses as well, including:

• Minor aches and pains due to menstrual or premenstrual cramps, muscle aches, toothache, headache, backache, the common cold, and arthritis

• Fever

The dosage for adults and adolescents 12 years and older is two caplets by mouth every eight hours with water as needed, not to exceed six caplets per day. The caplets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, dissolved, or split.

This medicine should not be used for more than 10 days unless under a healthcare provider's supervision.

Precautions include:

• Acetaminophen can cause severe skin reactions. If you have a rash, red skin, or blisters, stop using this drug and get emergency medical attention.

• Liver damage can occur from too much acetaminophen. Do not exceed six caplets per day, and do not take this medication with other acetaminophen-containing medications.

• Check with a healthcare provider before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver disease, or take warfarin.

• Stop using this medicine and consult a healthcare provider if pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days, if you have redness or swelling, or if new or any concerning symptoms occur.

Midol Heat Vibes

Midol Heat Vibes are not pills but heat patches. They are available OTC.

These air-activated patches are for a single use and last up to eight hours. You can apply a patch to the lower abdomen or lower back, but the patch should be placed on top of an undergarment, not directly on the skin. The heat helps with pain and cramps and helps relax muscles.

Summary

If you are considering Pamprin or Midol for symptoms associated with menstrual periods, there are various formulations for each product. Each product has different ingredients to target different symptoms.

You can always ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist to recommend a specific medication and formulation that is appropriate for you based on your symptoms, medical history, and other factors.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.