Menstrual cramp relief
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- Advil Menstrual Pain (ibuprofen 200 mg). Best for: Cramps, with an NSAID. See options on Amazon
- Midol Complete caplets. Best for: Cramps plus bloating and fatigue. See options on Amazon
- Microwavable heat wrap. Best for: Pairing heat with medicine. See options on Amazon
Midol Complete vs Advil Menstrual Pain
| Detail | Midol Complete | Advil Menstrual Pain |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Acetaminophen 500 mg, caffeine 60 mg, pyrilamine maleate 15 mg | Ibuprofen 200 mg (as ibuprofen sodium 256 mg) |
| Type | Pain reliever plus diuretic and antihistamine | NSAID pain reliever |
| Adult dose (12 and over) | 2 caplets every 6 hours as needed; max 6 per day | 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, 2 if needed; max 6 in 24 hours |
Details are from each product's DailyMed label.
What the OWH says about period pain
The OWH says pain is the most common period problem, and that more than half of women who have periods get some pain around their period. It says a majority of period pain can be relieved by over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), naming naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin, and that starting an NSAID when your period first starts may also help control the pain.
For an NSAID with longer dosing intervals, see our naproxen guide; for ibuprofen details, our ibuprofen guide.
The two products in this guide work differently, so read the active ingredients. If you already take an NSAID for other reasons, or need to avoid NSAIDs because of stomach, kidney or heart concerns, ask a pharmacist which option fits, and do not combine two pain relievers with the same ingredient.
Midol: what each ingredient does
The Midol Complete label lists three purposes: acetaminophen as a pain reliever, caffeine as a diuretic, and pyrilamine maleate as an antihistamine. It is labeled for temporary relief of period symptoms including cramps, bloating, water-weight gain, headache, backache, muscle aches and fatigue.
- Liver. Severe liver damage may occur with more than 6 caplets in 24 hours, other acetaminophen products, or 3 or more drinks a day.
- Drowsiness. You may get drowsy; avoid alcohol and be careful driving. Excitability may occur, especially in children.
- Caffeine. Limit other caffeine, since too much may cause nervousness, irritability or sleeplessness.
Advil Menstrual Pain: NSAID warnings
- Stomach bleeding. The chance is higher at 60 or older, with past ulcers or bleeding, blood thinners or steroids, other NSAIDs, or 3 or more drinks a day.
- Heart and stroke. NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke, especially with more or longer use than directed.
- Allergy. Ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin.
- Food. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
Do not combine an NSAID product with another NSAID, and do not combine Midol with other acetaminophen products. See our acetaminophen guide.
When to see a doctor
The OWH says talk to your doctor or nurse if over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or naproxen does not help, or if the pain interferes with daily activities like work or school. It also says to see a doctor to rule out other problems if you pass blood clots larger than a quarter, or if pain happens at times other than just before or during your period. Getting your first period before age 11 is listed as a risk factor for painful periods.
Comfort measures
Many people pair medicine with heat; see our hot water bottle guide and electric heating pad guide, following each product's safety directions. For period products, see our period underwear guide and menstrual cup guide. Keep all pain relievers out of reach of children, and store them as labeled; Midol says avoid excessive heat above 40 C (104 F).
What to look for when you buy
Advil Menstrual Pain (ibuprofen 200 mg)
Best for: Cramps, with an NSAID
Its label lists ibuprofen 200 mg and menstrual cramps among its uses; the OWH says NSAIDs relieve most period pain.
Watch out: Stomach bleeding and heart warnings; max 6 in 24 hours.
See options on AmazonMidol Complete caplets
Best for: Cramps plus bloating and fatigue
Its label lists acetaminophen 500 mg, caffeine 60 mg and pyrilamine 15 mg for several period symptoms.
Watch out: May cause drowsiness; max 6 caplets per day.
See options on AmazonMicrowavable heat wrap
Best for: Pairing heat with medicine
Heat is a common comfort measure alongside the NSAIDs the OWH recommends.
Watch out: Follow the wrap's heating directions to avoid burns.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the best OTC medicine for period cramps?
- The OWH says most period pain can be relieved by NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin.
- When should I take medicine for cramps?
- The OWH says starting an NSAID when your period first starts may help control the pain.
- Is Midol an NSAID?
- Midol Complete is not; it contains acetaminophen, caffeine and pyrilamine, per its label.
- Can I take Midol and Advil together?
- Ask a pharmacist; avoid doubling up on acetaminophen or NSAIDs, and follow each label's limits.
- When are period cramps a reason to see a doctor?
- If OTC medicine does not help, pain disrupts work or school, or you pass clots larger than a quarter, per the OWH.
- Does Midol make you sleepy?
- It can; the label says you may get drowsy, so avoid alcohol and be careful driving.
Sources
- Period problems (womenshealth.gov), Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Midol (acetaminophen, caffeine, pyrilamine) caplet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Advil Menstrual Pain (ibuprofen sodium) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine