Brand name:
Pronounced: MY-dawl
Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine maleate
This type of Midol relieves menstrual symptoms such as cramps, bloating, headaches, backaches, muscle aches, fatigue, breast tenderness, and weight gain caused by water retention. The product is available in caplet and gelcap form.
The usual dose is 2 pills, taken with water. The caplets may be taken every 4 hours, as needed. The gelcaps may be taken every 6 hours. Do not take more than 8 pills a day. For girls under 12, check with your doctor.
Unless your doctor approves, do not take this Midol formulation if you have high pressure within the eye (glaucoma) or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Midol is not intended for use by men.
Stop using Midol and check with your doctor if pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days, if new symptoms develop, or if you notice redness and swelling.
The pyrilamine in this product can cause drowsiness. Until you know how the medication affects you, be careful when driving and when operating machinery. This ingredient may also cause excitability, especially in children.
Check with your doctor about using this product if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day. The acetaminophen it contains can cause liver damage.
If you are taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not take this type of Midol without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while using this product.
A dose of Midol Menstrual Formula contains as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. To avoid the nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeat that can come from too much caffeine, limit your use of caffeine-containing medicines, foods, and beverages while taking this product.