If you are reading this article, then you probably know what Pamprin and Midol are, or what they are usually prescribed for.
Is there any woman who hasn’t heard of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? PMS affects nearly every woman at some time in their lives.
PMS is so frequent that it is estimated that 90% of women suffer from it, with 43% experiencing agony with each cycle!
The symptoms might continue from some days to two weeks. The symptoms are spread over the emotional and physical spectrum.
As a result, the symptoms cause a disturbance in everyday life, leading many people to self-medicate with OTC medicines (OTC).
Hence, today’s topic: Pamprin vs Midol. Pamprin and Midol have long been marketed for this condition – PMS, and also they act as pain relievers to diminish the pain caused by menstruation – menstrual cramps/pains, but the problem is that many women have difficulties deciding which one is better among these two drugs – Pamprin vs Midol.
In this post we will compare these medications – Pamprin vs Midol to help you pick the best option for you. We will analyze the similarities, differences, specific strengths, benefits, side effects, and other things you need to know about them so that you can know the best menstrual pain reliever for you among these two – Pamprin vs Midol.
Pamprin vs Midol comparison – We move.
About these Drugs: Pamprin vs Midol – What are They?
Pamprin and Midol are drugs that belong to the drug class of analgesic combinations. Analgesic combination products contain at least one analgesic in combination with other medicine(s).
An analgesic is a name given to medicines that relieve pain without putting you to sleep or making you lose consciousness. Analgesics may also be known as painkillers or pain relievers.
If an analgesic combination product contains two analgesics, these generally have different ways of working to relieve pain.
Analgesic combination products tend to either have acetaminophen, an NSAID (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or codeine (or another opioid) as one of their ingredients.
Pamprin & Midol are drugs that are specially developed to treat period cramps as well as other PMS symptoms in women.
There are several versions of these two products on sale or on the market, which is why a person may choose whatever components are appropriate.
Both are often used by women during their periods. What is the difference between Pamprin and Midol? – Pamprin vs Midol.
Related reading: How to Deal with PMS (PreMenstrual Syndrome)
Pamprin vs Midol – How Does each Work?
To know how each works, let’s first check out the ingredients of Pamprin vs Midol:
Ingredients of Pamprin
It is a combined medication that includes:
- Pyrilamine: An antihistamine that lowers histamine’s actions in the body
- Pamabrom (water pill): A diuretic.
- Acetaminophen: A pain reliever and fever reducer.
Ingredients of Midol
The Midol formulation consists of the following ingredients:
- Pyrilamine Maleate (15 mg): An antihistamine that works by reducing the actions of our histamine, a neurotransmitter inside the body. It also acts as a diuretic, which might aid with bloating.
- Caffeine (60 mg): It helps pyrilamine maleate and acetaminophen go through the system more quickly.
- Acetaminophen (500 mg): This belongs to the analgesic medication class and acts by preventing sensations of pain from entering the brain.
Both medications – Midol and Pamprin act by inhibiting the generation of prostaglandins (hormones with a wide range of functions in the body) that are generated in the human body during pain.
Pamprin vs Midol – How to Use: Dosage and Administration
- Pamprin – Take two caplets with water every six hours at the first symptom of premenstrual pain. Do not take more than eight caplets in 24 hours.
- Midol – Take two caplets with water every 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 caplets per day. Take for no more than ten days consecutively.
What Happens If I Overdose on Pamprin and What Can I Do to Rectify That?
Pamprin overdose can result in yellowish skin, dull eyes, aggravation, nervousness, dark urination, loss of appetite, and lethargy in addition to making all the mentioned side effects in this article severe.
What Happens If I Overdose on Midol and What Can I Do to Rectify That?
Midol overdose can result in yellowish skin, dull eyes, aggravation, nervousness, dark urination, loss of appetite, and lethargy in addition to making all the mentioned side effects in this article severe.
Precautions and Warnings – Pamprin vs Midol
Pamprin – Do not use this product if you have untreated:
- thyroid disorder
- heart disease
- COPD
- asthma
- glaucoma
This product is not recommended for children less than 12 years old. Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have other medical conditions, particularly:
- urination problems
- enlarged prostate
- a history of alcoholism
- liver disease
- if you take a blood thinner
- glaucoma
- kidney disease
Midol – Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without first checking with your healthcare professional. Before using this product, tell your healthcare professional if you have:
- chronic bronchitis
- emphysema
- difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland
- glaucoma
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Avoid this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any ingredients in this product.
Do not combine this medicine with any other product containing acetaminophen. Don’t use these medications – Pamprin and Midol if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
Your doctor may allow you to use them, but they should always be consulted in this situation.
Uses – Pamprin vs Midol
Uses of Pamprin
Pamprin is utilized to treat premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Cramping
- Muscular ache
- Headache
- A rise in water weight
- Bloating
- Tension
Uses of Midol
Midol is used to treat weariness, backaches, muscular pains, cramps, and headaches. It may also be used to treat water retention and bloating.
Pamprin vs Midol for Menstrual or Period Cramps
Both of these drugs are effective at relieving menstrual cramps. People often inquire, “Is Midol effective for cramps?” Midol is thought to be more helpful than Pamprin for period cramps, although it is somewhat more costly.
For Bloating – Pamprin vs Midol
Pamprin may be more effective for boating because of the inclusion of Pamabrom, a powerful diuretic. Pamabrom alleviates bloating by increasing urine. Midol, on the contrary, acts quicker since it contains caffeine. Both of these medicines are useful for bloating. It is important to take them as soon as you notice any signs of pain.
Irritability – Pamprin vs Midol
Pamprin contains aspirin, which causes inflammation, particularly inside the stomach lining. This may result in peptic ulcers. Midol, in contrast, may reduce discomfort if caffeine use is maintained to a minimum.
Related reading: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Menstrual Cramps
The Side Effects – Pamprin vs Midol
Pamprin’s side effects – Common side effects of this medicine may include:
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Slow or uneven heart rate
- Mild headache
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Dry mouth or throat
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Feeling nervous
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
More serious side effects may include:
- Urinating less than usual or not at all
- Severe nervousness
- Jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
- Hallucinations
- Clay-colored stools
- Confusion
- Dark urine
- Seizure (convulsions)
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in your upper stomach
- Unusual weakness
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Midol’s side effects– The most common adverse events associated with this medicine include:
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Drowsiness
- Feeling nervous
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dry nose
- Dry mouth
- Mild headache
More serious side effects include:
- Urinating less than usual
- Rapid pulse
- Jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
- Chest pain
- Clay-colored stools
- Uneven heart rate
- Dark urine
- Pain in your upper stomach
- Unusual weakness
- Easy bleeding
- Seizure (convulsions)
- Severe nervousness
- Hallucinations
Drug Interactions – Pamprin vs Midol
Pamprin – It may interact negatively with the following medications:
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Acetaminophen
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Trazodone
- Gabapentin
- Tramadol
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
Midol – It may interact negatively with the following medications:
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Excedrin Migraine
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Gabapentin (an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat partial seizures);
- Trazodone (an antidepressant medication);
- Tramadol
- Melatonin
- A potassium supplement (Epiklor, K-Lyte, Cytra, Polycitra, or Urocit-K)
Alcohol and Pamprin/Midol
Avoid the intake of alcohol while using these medicines – Pamprin and Midol.
Alcohol can increase certain side effects of pyrilamine and may increase your risk of liver damage while you are taking acetaminophen.
It is also important to remember that acetaminophen, pamabrom, and pyrilamine pass into breast milk. Therefore, breastmilk should be discarded while taking these medications or they should be avoided while breastfeeding.
Similarities and Differences – Pamprin vs Midol
- They both contain acetaminophen and Pyrilamine.
- Midol contains caffeine while Pamprin does not, and Pamprin contains Pamabrom, while Midol does not.
- They both belong to the same class of drugs – Analgesics.
- Pamprin contains aspirin, and Midol doesn’t.
- Midol is more expensive than Pamprin.
- The side effects of Midol are less than that of Pamprin.
Can You Take Pamprin and Midol together?
Both of these products contain similar ingredients. In cases where they contain different ingredients, they are the same class of drugs. That means they produce the same effects. Therefore, there would be no benefit to taking both together or alternating them.
Is it Safe? – Pamprin vs Midol
These medications are safe when prescribed, but they can prove harmful when misused.
Therefore, it’s always important to consult your doctor before using certain medications such as these, especially when you are in certain conditions like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and young/old age.
It is also important so that you can help avoid negative drug interactions which might prove very harmful.
You will be safe if you use Pamprin or Midol only when needed and as prescribed by a professional doctor.
Pamprin vs Midol – How much Does Each Cost?
Pamprin – 40 caplets cost ~$7.54 which is $0.19 per caplet, or $0.38 per dose.
Midol – 24 caplets cost ~$5.99 which is $0.25 per caplet, or $0.50 per dose.
Where to Buy – Pamprin vs Midol
These medications are available OTC at any well-stocked pharmacy, and also at online drug stores like CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, Walgreens, and even Amazon.
You can also purchase these drugs at the drugs’ official websites.
Pamprin vs Midol – Storage
These drugs are to be stored in a cool, dry place.
Pamprin vs Midol – Which is Safer and Better? (The Truth)
Both of these drugs are effective at relieving menstrual cramps. People often inquire, “Is Midol more effective for cramps?” Midol is thought to be more helpful than Pamprin for period cramps, although it is somewhat more costly.
Despite Midol being more effective, the inclusion of caffeine in it makes Pamprin more appealing at times. Pamprin, in contrast, includes aspirin, which causes irritation in most people.
As a result, if you’re not caffeine sensitive and can pay the high price, Midol might be the better option.
But personally, I prefer Midol to Pamprin, but you should choose what’s best for you. You might be wondering; “Why do I prefer Midol to Pamprin?” The reason is that the side effects of Midol are less than that of Pamprin, and many people have claimed that Pamprin causes irritability.
But make sure to consult your doctor on what’s best for you between these two drugs. What might work for other women might not work for you.