Brand name:
Pronounced: MY-dawl
Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine maleate
Other brand names: Pamprin Multi-Symptom, Premsyn PMS Caplets
Midol PMS, Multi-Symptom Pamprin, and Premsyn relieve some of the problems commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome, including cramps, headaches, backaches, bloating, and weight gain caused by water retention.
Midol PMS is available in caplets and gelcaps. Pamprin comes in caplet and tablet form. Premsyn is formulated in caplets only.
Another version of Pamprin--Pamprin Maximum Cramp Relief--combats the same symptoms, but has a slightly different set of ingredients.
The usual dosage is 2 pills with water every 6 hours (4 to 6 hours for Pamprin and Premsyn) as needed. Do not take more than 8 pills each 24 hours. For girls under 12, check with your doctor.
Unless your doctor approves, do not use these products if you have high pressure within the eye (glaucoma) or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
These products are not intended for use by men.
Check with your doctor about using these products if you have more than 3 alcoholic drinks every day. The acetaminophen they contain is capable of causing liver damage.
Stop using these products 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.
These products may make you sleepy. Be especially careful when driving and when operating machinery. These products also may cause excitability.
If you are taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not take these products without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol.