Midol Aleve Or Excedrin Migraine: How To Pick The Best Over
Weve all been there: You have a headache that wont go away and you have other things to do!
So, what do you reach for first? Coffee? Excedrin? Aleve? Midol? Whats the best headache medication?
Before you choose what to use for your headache relief, here are some things to consider: Are you taking a blood thinner like warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, or Savaysa? Do you have an upcoming surgery scheduled? Are you already taking a daily aspirin? Do you have a history of peptic ulcers or gastritis? Are you pregnant? How often are you having these headaches?
If youre taking a blood thinner many of the OTC medications that are sold
for headache and pain relief can increase your risk of having a serious bleeding problem like bleeding in your stomach, intestines, or brain. Aspirin is particularly risky when taken in larger doses than the 81mg for heart health. When its used as a pain reliever the dose is between 200-1000 mg . These higher doses can result in liver toxicity, and gastrointestinal problems in as many 30-90% of people with pre-existing peptic ulcer or gastritis.
Aspirin is included in many common OTC products such as Goodys, Midol, Pamprin, Excedrin, Bayer Migraine, BC powder, and Alka-Seltzer to name a few.
If you have any scheduled surgery coming up, the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other blood thinners are generally recommended to be stopped a week beforehand. You should check with your doctor beforehand.
How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use Midol Complete as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take Midol Complete on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times Midol Complete is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
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What Are The Ingredients In Midol
Midol is an over-the-counter pain reliever that comes in the form of pills, patches, suppositories and across a few different formulations Complete, Extended Relief, Teen, Liquid Gels, and PM. The active ingredients for pain relief in Midol ranges from ibuprofen , acetaminophen or naproxen sodium . Midol also contains inactive ingredients like dyes and fillers that help it stay together as a pill, but donât have any effect on your body when you take them. Midol also could caffeine, depending on formulation. Although it may seem like the three ingredients share a common theme, they each have unique properties and function in different ways to relieve your pain.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug used to treat fever, pain and inflammation. It can also be used for headaches, backaches, sore throats, minor arthritis pain and menstrual cramps. Ibuprofen reduces the production of prostaglandins which are hormone-like substances that cause swelling and irritation of your joints.
Acetaminophen
Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory drug that has been used for the management of mild to moderate pain. It also helps with relieving symptoms associated with various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual cramps.
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How Are Menstrual Migraines Treated What Medicines Can I Use
A menstrual migraine is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications . The NSAIDs most often used for menstrual migraine include:
- Corticosteroids.
These drugs should also be started two to three days before your period starts. Continue taking them throughout your menstrual flow.
Because fluid retention often occurs at the same time as your menses, diuretics have been used to prevent menstrual migraines. Some healthcare providers may recommend that you follow a low-salt diet immediately before the start of your menses.
Leuprolide is a medication that affects your hormone levels. Its used only when all other treatment methods have been tried and havent worked.
When To Worry About A Headache
Most headaches respond to self-care, OTC pain relievers, or medication your doctor prescribes. For some headaches, though, its best to promptly seek medical advice. Warning signs include a headache that:
- is unusually severe or steadily worsens
- follows a blow to the head
- is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness or memory, or neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures.
Image: kimberrywood/Getty Images
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What Happens If I Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen can be fatal.
The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
How Are Headaches Treated
There isnât a one-size-fits-all approach. Your doctor will likely suggest one or more of the following:
Immediate treatment: Some drugs can put a quick end to a headache or migraine. Your doctor might have you inhale oxygen through a mask to relieve cluster headaches. Doctors might refer to this type of treatment as abortive therapy. Ibuprofen or naproxen may relieve migraines or tension headaches. But, for more severe migraines, prescription triptans are often recommended.
Preventive treatment: Prescription drugs can stop pain before it starts. It can make what you do feel less severe.
Nondrug treatments: Many natural therapies can be useful, too. Your headache specialist may suggest:
- Manage other health problems. Conditions like anxiety or high blood pressure can trigger headaches if you donât keep them under control.
- Watch your use of medicines. Taking OTC pain relievers too often, or at a higher dose than advised, could cause more problems. Once the drug wears off, withdrawal symptoms start. This leads to more head pain and the need for more medicine. Doctors call this a rebound headache.
- Stick to a sleep schedule. Too little or too much rest can trigger headaches.
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What Is Midol Pms Maximum Strength
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Pamabrom is a diuretic .
Pyrilamine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.
Midol PMS Maximum Strength is a combination medicine used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome , such as tension, bloating, water weight gain, headache, muscle pain, cramps, and irritability.
Midol PMS Maximum Strength may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Is Midol The Same As Tylenol
Midol & Tylenol both are pain-relieving drugs. Although both are used as synonymous with each other in the west, there is a difference between the two.
The prime difference lies in the ingredients that are used in both of these chemicals. While the ingredients of Midol vary depending upon the drug type, the key ingredient of Tylenol remains the same i.e., paracetamol.
Midol belongs to the drug class called analgesic combinations & is used to treat premenstrual syndrome primarily. Tylenol belongs to the drug class of miscellaneous analgesics.
Last but not the least, Midol can effectively interact with 123 drugs & Tylenol with 106 drugs.
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A Breakdown Of The Differences Between Tylenol Advil And Aleve
Youre probably all too familiar with the annoyance of everyday aches and pains we all experience from time to time such as tension headaches, migraines, stomach cramps or muscle soreness. And as you make your way to your medicine cabinet, you then begin the struggle of deciding which one to take to alleviate your discomfort.
Tylenol, Advil and Aleve are three of the most popular over-the-counter painkillers available on the market. They all fulfill the same purpose to soothe and reduce your aches and pains, but work in different ways as they are composed of varying active ingredients. It can be very confusing, overwhelming and frustrating to understand the differences between these three medications and determine which one you should take to alleviate what ailment. Any of them may be able to help your condition in some way depending on your ailment, but one of the three will be better suited to your ailment and therefore more effective in helping you feel better.
We have put together an overview of these three different medications breaking down their differences here, so navigating future aches and pains and trips to the medicine cabinet can be a little easier.
How To Use Midol Tablet
If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ibuprofen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If you have stomach upset while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed by your doctor or the package label. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor.
When ibuprofen is used by children, the dose is based on the child’s weight. Read the package directions to find the proper dose for your child’s weight. Consult the pharmacist or doctor if you have questions or if you need help choosing a nonprescription product.
For certain conditions , it may take up to two weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.
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What Is Midol Bloat Relief
Midol is an over-the-counter medication that provides menstrual relief and reduces cramps without inducing any negative side effects. The brand has a few products, each targeting specific symptoms related to your menstrual cycle. Midol Bloat Relief helps reduce bloating, excess water weight, and swelling.
Of course, this innocuous little tablets efficacy varies from person to person. And while there are many ways to reduce period bloating and swelling, its clear that Midol is one of the most effective.
Why It Is Important To Do This Review
Naproxen has confirmed efficacy in a variety of acute pain situations, is widely available and relatively inexpensive, and it is important to know where it fits in the range of therapeutic options for migraine therapy. For many migraineurs, nonprescription therapies offer convenience and may be the only therapies available or affordable. This review is one of a series examining the efficacy of OTC treatments for migraine, including aspirin , paracetamol , and ibuprofen , as well as oral sumatriptan , which is available without prescription in some countries. Naproxen in combination with sumatriptan is the subject of a separate review .
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How Should I Take Midol Ib
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
An Midol IB overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day .
A child’s dose of ibuprofen is based on the age and weight of the child. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with children’s Midol IB for the age and weight of your child. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Take Midol IB with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
What Pain Relievers Are Best For Headaches
There are a few pain relievers that we refer to, without the prescription of the doctors in case of a headache. These include drugs such as-
- Naproxen sodium
Although Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are one of the most preferred choices of people who frequently complain of headaches, they pose risks to the body too. Tylenol can even lead to liver damage if high doses are taken for a long time.
Moreover, if someone is having coronary heart disease or any comorbidities, then its not advised to take any of these drugs without a proper prescription.
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How Do You Take Nsaids
Most NSAIDs are tablets, so youâll want to take them with a glass of water. Some people find that they need to take them with a little bit of food to avoid an upset stomach.
But not all NSAIDs come in pill form. Cambia®, for example, is an FDA-approved powder you mix with water and drink. Studies show that this formulation helps the medication take effect much fasterâ15 minutes for the powder vs. a full hour for tablets.
If youâre taking a prescription NSAID, make sure to take it as prescribed by your medical provider.
What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take Midol Complete
- If you are allergic to Midol Complete any part of Midol Complete or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Midol Complete with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
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Why Otc Pain Relievers Arent The Answer
As we said above, these treatments are only temporary and have to be taken for as long as you are suffering and then taken again when the sinus pain comes back. Its a vicious cycle. More importantly, pain relievers only treat the symptoms and not the actual cause of your suffering. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by a number of things, which in turn cause inflammation, pain and blockage. These causes include:
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What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take Midol
- If you have an allergy to acetaminophen, caffeine, salicylamide, or any other part of Midol Complete .
- If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash hives itching shortness of breath wheezing cough swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat or any other signs.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Menstrual Migraines
- Am I experiencing a menstrual migraine or another type of migraine?
- Should I change any of the medications Im taking?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- What medications should I take?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A migraine is more than a bad headache. Not only can menstrual migraines get severe, but women have reported that they can be even worse than a migraine that occurs when theyre not on their period. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. There are preventative measures and treatment options. A menstrual migraine might not be something you just have to live with every month.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/03/2021.
References
Does Midol Help With Nausea
Yes! Midol does help in treating nausea. But one might argue that how can Midol treat nausea if it itself is one of its side effects.
So, the answer is that Midol helps in nausea & vomiting only when it is associated with the use of chemotherapy drugs. To deal with nausea, Midol can be given in many forms.
When used in a pill form, the patient is open to six options including 2mg, 4mg, 8mg, 16mg and 32mg tablets. Usually, one of the least powered tablets is given in case of nausea.
If the condition is severe including extreme weakness, then Midol can also be injected directly into the muscles or the veins .
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What Are Some Other Side Effects Of Midol Complete
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling sleepy.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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