Midol

Midol is a brand of over-the-counter analgesic drugs marketed for menstrual cramping and other effects related to premenstrual syndrome and menstruation. Various subbrands are formulated using different active ingredients. Midol is distributed by Bayer.

Midol was originally sold in 1911 as a headache and toothache remedy that was considered safer because it did not use the narcotics typically used at the time.[1] It was then promoted as a cure for hiccups claiming it controlled spasms, and finally as a remedy for menstrual cramps and bloating.[2][3][4][5] A formulation sold in the 1980s was made with the sympathomimetic cinnamedrine.[6] It had been reported to have abuse potential as an appetite suppressant and sympathomimetic agent. Midol, like other NSAID class of drugs, may have side effects for some, such as an increased risk of bleeding, kidney damage or negative effects on cardiovascular system.[7]

The "Midol Complete" formulation consists of:

The "Extended Relief" formulation consists of:

The "Teen" formulation consists of:

The "Liquid Gels" (Labeled MAXIDOL)[8] formulation consists of:

The "PM" formulation consists of:

  • Acetaminophen 500 mg (pain reliever)
  • Caffeine 60 mg (stimulant)
  • Pyrilamine maleate 15 mg (antihistamine)
  • Naproxen sodium 220 mg (NSAID, pain reliever/fever reducer)
  • Acetaminophen 500 mg (pain reliever)
  • Pamabrom 25 mg (diuretic)
  • Ibuprofen 200 mg (NSAID, pain reliever)
  • Acetaminophen 500 mg (pain reliever)
  • Diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg (sedative antihistamine)

References

  1. Midol ad for Headache--Neuralgia, Toothache retrieved 2010-07-03^
  2. Midol for Hiccoughs retrieved 2010-07-03^
  3. News at Museum of Menstruation and women's health retrieved 2010-07-03^
  4. Midol ad for Menstrual problems retrieved 2010-07-03^
  5. Midol "Reverse the Curse" ad retrieved 2010-07-03^
  6. KW Fellows, AJ Giannini. Cinnamedrine: Potential for Abuse. Journal of Toxicology:Clinical Toxicology. 20:93–99.1983.^
  7. Pain relievers connected to heart deaths retrieved 2018-12-05^
  8. MAXIDOL® LIQUID GELS MAXIDOL® LIQUID GELS, retrieved 2024-11-08^