Midol vs Pamprin – which is better?
When it comes to menstrual relief, there are two main brands that women turn to: Midol and Pamprin.
So, which one is the better option?
Midol
It is a brand of over-the-counter medicine, distributed by Bayer, one of the leading research-based pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
This medicine is used for menstrual cramping and other effects related to premenstrual syndrome and menstruation.
It contains:
- acetaminophen – it belongs to a group of drugs called analgesics, that is thought to work by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain;
- caffeine – it stimulates the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness. It is naturally found in coffee and tea;
- pyrilamine maleate – an antihistamine that helps to reduce cramping and bloating. During menstruation, histamines are released at a notably higher rate, which may result in stress, pain, breast tenderness, and irritability. This antihistamine may also help in relieving headaches.
Therefore, this medicine basically blocks the production of prostaglandin, which is released into the body during pain with extra caffeine to boost energy levels.
This brand also has a teen formula.
Uses
It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to help relieve symptoms of arthritis (juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis), including – swelling, inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness, plus, it is used to treat mild to moderate pain.
Note – although this medicine does not have to be prescribed by a doctor, it is recommended to talk about product usage with your doctor.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects of using this medicine may include:
- skin rash;
- dehydration;
- vomiting;
- nausea;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- bleeding from the skin or nose;
- itching.
Serious side effects (very rare) may include:
- loud breathing;
- abnormal bruising;
- decreased urination ;
- breathing problems;
- cloudy urine;
- abnormal fatigue;
- belching;
- abnormal weakness;
- skin paleness.
Get professional medical help as soon as you can if you have the following symptoms:
- sores in your throat, mouth, eyes, or nose;
- irritated eyes;
- swollen, red, blistered, or peeling skin.
Do not use this drug without telling your healthcare provider, especially if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant, since there are no conclusive studies regarding the safe use of acetaminophen, a compound that may harm an unborn baby.
Moreover, it is best to avoid it if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Reduce your intake of caffeine from other sources, such as – foods, medications, or beverages (green or black teas, some sodas, energy drinks) due to the fact that too much caffeine may cause irritability, nervousness, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeat.
To avoid an overdose of acetaminophen, never take more than the recommended dose of this medicine.
Signs and symptoms of an acetaminophen overdose include:
- nausea;
- loss of appetite;
- stomach pain;
- vomiting;
- confusion;
- sweating;
- weakness.
To avoid damage to your liver and gastrointestinal bleeding, don’t combine this medicine with alcoholic beverages within 24 hours of taking it.
Also, this medicine is not recommended for a child younger than 12 years old.
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Pamprin
It is a medicine used for temporary relief of signs and symptoms accompanying premenstrual syndrome, like:
- headache;
- cramps;
- backache;
- irritability;
- mild to moderate pains and aches.
This medicine comes in different forms with or without caffeine, however, it typically contains:
- acetaminophen – it belongs to a class of medicines called fever reducers (antipyretics) and pain relievers (analgesics). The FDA approved acetaminophen in 1951.
- aspirin – a medication used to treat fever, pain, or inflammation. It works by blocking a certain natural substance in the human body to reduce swelling and pain.
- caffeine – a central nervous system stimulant of the methylxanthine class.
Uses
It is used for the temporary relief of pain from toothaches, muscle aches, headaches, or menstrual cramps.
Do not use this product for more than 5 consecutive days.
Dosage – do not use more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Take 2 tablets every 3 to 4 hours as needed.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- feeling excited or restless;
- blurred vision;
- constipation;
- dry nose, mouth, or throat;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness.
Stop using this drug and contact your healthcare provider at once if you have:
- hearing problems;
- ringing in your ears;
- any swelling or redness;
- coughing up blood or vomit which looks like coffee grounds;
- bloody or tarry stools;
- a light-headed feeling;
- severe stomach pain.
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Alcohol
Avoid alcohol since it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding, plus, when combined with acetaminophen, it may damage your liver.
Signs and symptoms of liver problems include – feeling tired, dark urine, upset stomach, not feeling hungry, stomach pain, yellow skin, or light-colored stools.
Do not take this medicine if you are using tranquilizers or sedatives without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
This product should also be avoided by children and teenagers who are recovering from chickenpox.
Note – full recovery from chickenpox commonly takes 7-10 days after the symptoms first appear.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, avoid this product since there are no conclusive studies regarding its safe use during pregnancy or if it can pass into the breast milk and harm the infant.
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Midol vs Pamprin – which is better?
Both these products contain caffeine and acetaminophen and are advertised to relieve menstrual cramps, but they may only be effective if you use them before the pains become severe.
However, Midol is sometimes criticized for its high level of caffeine, which can cause jitters and insomnia.
Pamprin, on the other hand, contains aspirin, which can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers.
In terms of price, Midol is generally more expensive than Pamprin. However, both brands offer coupons and discounts from time to time, so it’s worth checking online before making a purchase.
Ultimately, the best menstrual relief product is the one that works best for you. If you’re looking for an affordable option with minimal side effects, Pamprin may be the better choice. But if you don’t mind paying a bit more for effective relief, Midol could be the better option for you.
Image credit – Shutterstock
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References https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/6 https://www.midol.ca/en/about-my-period/feeling-better-during-my-period/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?Term=%22ibuprofen%22+OR+%22midol%22