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.

A box of Midol from 2023. The box features a yellow background and pink foreground with an M silhouetted against the background. The bottom of the box depicts the pills and describes the drug.
Box of Midol, 2023
Midol advertisement, 1960

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:

References

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  1. ^ "Midol ad for Headache--Neuralgia, Toothache". Archived from the original on 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  2. ^ "Midol for Hiccoughs". Archived from the original on 2010-06-15. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  3. ^ "News at Museum of Menstruation and women's health". Archived from the original on 2010-06-15. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  4. ^ "Midol ad for Menstrual problems". Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  5. ^ "Midol "Reverse the Curse" ad". Archived from the original on 2012-07-07. 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". Archived from the original on 2018-12-05. Retrieved 2018-12-05.
  8. ^ "MAXIDOL® LIQUID GELS". MAXIDOL® LIQUID GELS. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
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