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What Is Midol Used for?

Midol is an over-the-counter drug used to treat symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Although there are more than 150 PMS symptoms, the most commonly reported symptoms are irritability, bloating, swollen breasts, food cravings and headaches. Midol products treat all of these symptoms except food cravings.

  1. Types

    • There are currently four Midol products: Midol Complete, Midol Extended Relief, Midol Cramps & Body Aches and Midol Teen Formula. Each product has different active ingredients. Midol Complete has acetaminophen, caffeine and pyrilamine maleate, an antihistamine. Midol Extended Relief has naproxen. Midol Cramps & Body Aches has ibuprofen. Midol Teen Formula has acetaminophen and pamabrom, a diuretic.

    Midol Complete

    • Midol Complete is used for these PMS symptoms: pain, fatigue, irritability and bloating. Acetaminophen is used to treat pain (including headaches and backaches), the caffeine in this drug is used to treat fatigue and pyrilamine maleate is an antihistamine that may induce drowsiness and relieve irritability.

    Midol Extended Relief

    • Midol Extended Relief contains naproxen. Naproxen is a "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug." It eases symptoms of pain (including backaches and headaches) associated with PMS.

    Midol Cramps & Body

    • Midol Cramps & Body contains ibuprofen, and is used to ease symptoms of pain (including backaches and headaches). It may also be used to treat muscle aches associated with PMS.

    Midol Teen Formula

    • Midol Teen Formula is used to treat PMS symptoms including pain and bloating. The acetaminophen works as a pain reliever (for pain including backaches and headaches), and the pamabrom works as a diuretic to help with bloating. Pamabrom may also help with weight gain and swelling.

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