Comparing Midol vs. ibuprofen: Which is better for pain relief?

In this article:

• What are the main differences between Midol and ibuprofen?
• Conditions treated by Midol and ibuprofen
• Efficacy
• Cost and coverage
• Side effects
• Interactions
• Warnings
• FAQs

In this article

• What are the main differences between Midol and ibuprofen?
• Conditions treated by Midol and ibuprofen
• Efficacy
• Cost and coverage
• Side effects
• Interactions
• Warnings
• FAQs

Many people deal with pain and discomfort during their menstrual cycle or from everyday aches and injuries. Midol and ibuprofen are two common over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help. Both drugs work to ease pain and discomfort in the body. Midol and ibuprofen can both be effective for relieving period cramps, as well as other types of pain like headaches and muscle soreness. 

While these medications have similar effects, they do have some key differences. Midol is made specifically for menstrual symptoms and contains additional ingredients like a diuretic. Ibuprofen is a more general pain reliever that belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The cost and potential side effects can also vary between the two options. 

What are the main differences between Midol and ibuprofen?

Midol and ibuprofen have different active ingredients. Midol is a combination analgesic or pain reliever. It contains a mix of acetaminophen, caffeine, and an antihistamine called pyrilamine maleate, which helps target menstrual symptoms like cramps and bloating. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is an NSAID used for various kinds of pain and inflammation.

Ibuprofen helps reduce inflammation and pain by blocking enzymes involved in making prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances in the body that promote inflammation, leading to pain and swelling from an injury or illness. On the other hand, Midol’s ingredients, such as acetaminophen, relieve pain but do not reduce inflammation. Caffeine and pyrilamine maleate are included to help reduce symptoms like period fatigue and bloating.

Midol Complete is a brand-name drug that comes in caplets or gelcaps. The typical dosage is two caplets every six hours. However, different Midol products may contain different active ingredients and come in different forms. Ibuprofen is a generic drug that’s available under different brand names like Advil and Motrin. It comes in tablets, capsules, and liquids, with a usual dosage of 200 to 400 mg every four to six hours for adults.

Main differences of Midol versus ibuprofen
	Midol	Ibuprofen
Drug class	Combination analgesic	Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic available	Brand and generic available
What is the generic or brand name?	Generic: Acetaminophen/caffeine/pyrilamine maleate Brand: Midol	Generic: Ibuprofen Brand: Advil, Motrin
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Oral caplet Oral gelcap	Oral tablet  Oral capsule  Oral suspension
What is the standard dosage?	2 caplets every 6 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 6 caplets per day	200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.  Maximum daily dose: 1,200 mg per day Dosage depends on the type of pain being treated
How long is the typical treatment?	Short-term	Short-term or long-term, as instructed by a healthcare provider
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults and children 12 years and older	Adults and children 6 months and older

Conditions treated by Midol and ibuprofen

Both Midol and ibuprofen can help with menstrual pain, but Midol may work better for some women. Midol is known for managing symptoms tied to menstruation, such as menstrual cramps, period pain, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. It can also help with minor headaches, general muscle aches, water retention, and fatigue. 

Ibuprofen is typically used to treat a wider range of problems than Midol. It helps with headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and backaches. It’s also used as a fever reducer. Because it helps target inflammation, it is also effective in treating arthritis, especially when prescribed in a stronger formulation.

Is Midol or ibuprofen more effective?

Midol and ibuprofen are both effective OTC medications for pain relief. The most effective one will depend on how you respond to the medication and other factors like dosage, the condition being treated, and overall symptoms being experienced. 

Midol may offer relief from additional symptoms like irritability and bloating during menstruation. However, it doesn’t have the anti-inflammatory power of ibuprofen, which may come with a greater risk of gastrointestinal side effects. 

Research shows that NSAIDs are more effective than placebo in alleviating period pain, with only 51% of people using NSAIDs reporting severe pain compared to 82% of those who did not use NSAIDs. In addition, studies suggest that NSAIDs may provide slightly better relief than acetaminophen, although there isn’t enough evidence to determine if some NSAIDs are more effective than others.

The better option will depend on a person’s overall health. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the most effective option for you. 

Coverage and cost comparison of Midol vs. ibuprofen

As OTC medications, Midol and ibuprofen are unlikely to be covered by insurance and Medicare plans. However, ibuprofen is available in prescription-strength forms, which insurance plans may cover.

Both medications are available in brand-name and generic versions, so prices can vary quite a bit. Pharmacies might offer different prices for the same drug, so checking multiple places can be helpful to find the best deal. Retail costs can also differ depending on package size.

In some cases, you may be able to save money by using SingleCare coupons. These discounts are available online and can reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for medications. If a healthcare provider prescribes the drug, these coupons can be applied at the pharmacy, potentially making the medication more affordable.

Midol vs. ibuprofen costs
	Midol	Ibuprofen
Typically covered by insurance?	No	No. However, prescription-strength ibuprofen may be covered
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	No	No. However, prescription-strength ibuprofen may be covered
Quantity	16 to 40 caplets	30 tablets
Typical Medicare copay	N/A	Varies
SingleCare cost	$3	$3

Common side effects of Midol vs. ibuprofen

Midol and ibuprofen may cause various side effects. Side effects are usually mild when the medications are taken in appropriate doses. 

Common side effects of Midol may include: 

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Nervousness
• Increased urination
• Increased heart rate 
• Increased blood pressure

Common side effects of ibuprofen may include:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Nervousness

Serious side effects are rare with both medications but may include allergic reactions with symptoms like hives, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction. 

Midol contains acetaminophen, which, when taken in large amounts, may lead to liver damage. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4,000 mg, although many healthcare professionals suggest taking no more than 3,000 mg per day. On the other hand, ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs, is linked to an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. For example, ibuprofen has been reported to cause stomach ulcers, heart attacks, and strokes in some people.

Drug interactions of Midol vs. ibuprofen

Midol and ibuprofen contain different active ingredients, so they can interact differently with other medications and substances. 

Alcohol

Midol typically contains acetaminophen, which can harm the liver when combined with too much alcohol. If drinking alcohol, it’s best to limit intake while taking Midol. Ibuprofen doesn’t directly affect the liver but can irritate the stomach, so it’s also wise to be cautious when combining it with alcohol. 

Medications containing similar ingredients

Midol products with acetaminophen should not be used with other medications that contain acetaminophen, such as some cold and flu medicines, to avoid overdosing and risking liver damage. Ibuprofen should not be combined with other NSAIDs like aspirin or naproxen, as doing so may increase the risk of stomach irritation or bleeding. 

Blood thinners

Midol can increase the effects of blood thinners like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Ibuprofen can also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners or medications like aspirin. 

Medications that affect the kidneys 

Ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medications, such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors. Combining ibuprofen with these medications can also strain the kidneys. Midol does not typically have these effects. 

Other medications

Acetaminophen in Midol may also interact with certain medicines, such as Nydrazid (isoniazid) or Rifadin (rifampin), which can increase the risk of liver damage. Ibuprofen can increase the blood levels and side effects of certain drugs, such as Eskalith (lithium) and Rheumatrex (methotrexate).

This is not a complete list of possible drug interactions. Before starting a new treatment, consult a healthcare provider about other medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements.

Warnings of Midol and ibuprofen

Although Midol and ibuprofen are effective for pain relief, they come with different warnings and precautions. You may need to use caution, especially if you have certain health conditions. 

Using too much Midol or ibuprofen can cause serious health problems. Both should be taken exactly as directed, and they should not be combined with similar medications unless a healthcare provider says it’s safe. In rare cases, Midol and ibuprofen may cause severe allergic reactions or skin problems, like rashes or peeling. 

Taking too much of the acetaminophen in Midol can harm the liver, especially if combined with alcohol. The caffeine in Midol can cause dehydration, so it’s important to drink enough water. Midol may also worsen certain health conditions like liver disease, eye pressure conditions (glaucoma), or urinary problems.

Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach and cause ulcers or bleeding. This risk is higher for older adults, those with a history of stomach problems, or people taking blood thinners. Ibuprofen can also increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with high doses or long-term use. It may also cause kidney problems and may need to be avoided in people with severe kidney disease.

Always follow the instructions on the package, and talk to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or unusual symptoms while taking these medications.

Frequently asked questions about Midol vs. ibuprofen

What is Midol?

Midol is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve symptoms caused by menstrual periods, such as cramps, bloating, fatigue, and headaches. Midol Complete contains a combination of an analgesic called acetaminophen, a stimulant/diuretic called caffeine, and an antihistamine called pyrilamine maleate. However, some Midol products may contain NSAIDs like naproxen. The caffeine-free version contains pamabrom, a different diuretic. 

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is an NSAID commonly used to reduce fever, relieve pain, and decrease inflammation. It is available in various forms, including tablets and liquid suspensions, and can be purchased over the counter. It may also be prescribed in higher doses for chronic pain conditions like arthritis.

Are Midol and ibuprofen the same?

Midol and ibuprofen are not the same. Although both are pain relievers, Midol is specifically made to manage symptoms related to menstrual periods, while ibuprofen is a general pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug. 

Is Midol or ibuprofen better?

Whether Midol or ibuprofen is better depends on your specific symptoms and preferences. Midol is used to target menstrual period symptoms and may include additional ingredients for bloating or fatigue. Ibuprofen works well for general pain and inflammation but may not manage all menstrual symptoms. Consult your doctor for medical help if you’re unsure which is more appropriate for you.

Can I use Midol or ibuprofen while pregnant?

Pregnant women should use caution when taking any medication, including Midol or ibuprofen. However, acetaminophen is considered the safer option during pregnancy. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs should be avoided due to potential risks in a developing baby, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Seek medical advice from a healthcare provider before using medications during pregnancy.

Can I use Midol or ibuprofen with alcohol?

It is generally not a good idea to use Midol or ibuprofen with alcohol, as doing so can increase the risk of side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Over time, chronic alcohol consumption can also lead to liver problems and kidney damage, which Midol and ibuprofen may worsen. In addition, alcohol and NSAIDs like ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

Why is Midol better for periods?

Midol is often considered better for menstrual periods because it was specifically developed to manage symptoms associated with painful periods, including cramps, bloating, and headaches. The combination of ingredients works together to provide all-encompassing relief.