Crucial Safety Guide: When Should You Not Take Midol?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that Midol isn't just one product, but a brand with varying formulas? Therefore, understanding the active ingredients is critical to knowing when should you not take Midol?, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or take other medications.

Quick Summary

Before taking Midol, be aware of its active ingredients and the health conditions or other medications that could lead to dangerous interactions, particularly liver disease, heart issues, and pregnancy. Different Midol formulas contain different active compounds with distinct contraindications.

Key Points

Liver and Kidney Disease: Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease, especially chronic alcoholism, should avoid most Midol formulations due to the risk of organ damage from acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Cardiovascular Conditions: Avoid caffeine- or ibuprofen-containing Midol if you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, as these ingredients can worsen these conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Midol is not recommended for pregnant women, particularly after 20 weeks, or for those who are breastfeeding. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions: Do not combine Midol with other medications containing acetaminophen or NSAIDs. Also, avoid alcohol, sedatives, and MAOIs while taking Midol.
Specific Conditions: Those with glaucoma, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or stomach ulcers should exercise caution or avoid certain Midol formulas. The ingredients can exacerbate these issues.
Read the Label: Since Midol has multiple formulations, always check the label for active ingredients to understand the specific risks associated with that product.

Understanding the Different Midol Formulations

Before determining when to avoid Midol, it is essential to understand that there are several types of Midol, and each contains a different combination of active ingredients. The most common are Midol Complete and Midol Extended Relief. The specific formula dictates the necessary precautions and contraindications you must consider.

Midol Complete: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Pyrilamine Maleate

Midol Complete contains a pain reliever (acetaminophen), a diuretic (caffeine), and an antihistamine (pyrilamine maleate). Each component carries its own set of risks, which are crucial to consider, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Liver Disease: Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver. Overdosing on acetaminophen, or taking it with existing liver problems, can cause severe liver damage or even fatal liver failure. Chronic alcohol use significantly increases this risk. If you have any form of liver disease, you should avoid Midol Complete unless a doctor specifies a safe, reduced dose.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease: The caffeine in Midol Complete is a stimulant that can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. If you have heart disease, severe or uncontrolled hypertension, or other cardiovascular conditions, you should use caffeine-containing products cautiously or avoid them altogether. The antihistamine pyrilamine can also cause cardiovascular side effects.
Glaucoma: The antihistamine pyrilamine has anticholinergic effects that can worsen certain types of glaucoma, specifically angle-closure glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, consult an eye care specialist before taking Midol Complete.
Other Medications with Acetaminophen: Many other over-the-counter and prescription drugs contain acetaminophen. Taking Midol Complete along with a cold and flu remedy, for example, could lead to an accidental overdose and severe liver damage. Always read labels carefully.
Sedatives and Alcohol: The pyrilamine maleate can cause drowsiness and central nervous system (CNS) depression. Combining Midol Complete with alcohol or other sedatives, like tranquilizers or sleep aids, can intensify drowsiness and lead to severe impairment.

Midol Extended Relief or Midol IB: Ibuprofen

Some Midol products, like Midol Extended Relief, contain ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen carries a different set of risks compared to acetaminophen-based Midol.

Cardiovascular Risks: NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, especially with long-term use. This risk is heightened in individuals with pre-existing heart disease or risk factors. Ibuprofen is also contraindicated for pain relief after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Kidney Disease: Ibuprofen can decrease blood flow to the kidneys, making it risky for people with kidney disease. Long-term or high-dose use can lead to kidney damage. The National Kidney Foundation recommends acetaminophen over NSAIDs for kidney disease patients.
Stomach Ulcers and Bleeding: NSAIDs can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, especially in the elderly. If you have a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, you should avoid ibuprofen.
High Blood Pressure: Like caffeine, ibuprofen can cause or worsen high blood pressure and can interfere with the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications.

Summary of Key Precautions for Midol Use

Before taking any Midol product, consider these situations carefully:

Do not take if you have severe liver disease or regularly consume alcohol, due to the acetaminophen content in most Midol formulations.
Avoid if you have heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of stroke, especially with caffeine- or ibuprofen-containing versions.
Do not use if you have kidney disease, particularly if the product contains an NSAID like ibuprofen, which can cause or worsen kidney issues.
Do not take during the later stages of pregnancy (after 20 weeks) or while breastfeeding without consulting a doctor. NSAIDs are specifically warned against during this period.
Avoid if you are already taking another medication containing acetaminophen, to prevent a dangerous overdose.
Do not combine Midol Complete with alcohol or sedatives, as the pyrilamine can cause dangerous drowsiness.
Avoid if you have glaucoma, as the antihistamine in Midol Complete can worsen the condition.

Comparison of Common Midol Formulas


Feature	Midol Complete	Midol Extended Relief (Midol IB)
Active Ingredients	Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine Maleate	Ibuprofen
Primary Risks	Liver damage (from acetaminophen), increased blood pressure/heart rate (from caffeine), drowsiness (from pyrilamine)	Stomach ulcers/bleeding, heart attack/stroke, kidney damage (from ibuprofen)
Avoid If You Have	Liver disease, severe hypertension, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, take other acetaminophen products, consume alcohol	Heart disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, late-stage pregnancy, take blood thinners
Common Side Effects	Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nervousness, insomnia	Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness

How to Choose the Right Pain Reliever Safely

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, are pregnant, or are taking other medications, Midol may not be the safest choice. Alternatives might include single-ingredient pain relievers like acetaminophen (if liver function is normal and alcohol is avoided) or topical pain relievers, which have fewer systemic effects.

It is always best to consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider to discuss your personal health history and current medications. They can help you find a safe and effective treatment for your symptoms, whether it's a specific Midol product or an alternative that poses no risk to your health. Always read the packaging and be aware of all active ingredients in any over-the-counter medication before use.

Conclusion

While Midol offers effective relief for menstrual symptoms, its formulations contain potent active ingredients that are not suitable for everyone. You should not take Midol if you have severe liver or kidney disease, certain heart conditions, glaucoma, or if you are in the later stages of pregnancy. Furthermore, combining Midol with other medications containing similar ingredients or with alcohol can be dangerous. Always read the label to identify the active ingredients and, most importantly, speak with a healthcare professional to ensure that Midol is a safe choice for your specific health needs.

National Kidney Foundation: Pain Medicines and Kidney Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

You should not take Midol Complete if you have severe liver disease or consume alcohol regularly. It contains acetaminophen, which can cause serious liver damage at high doses or in people with impaired liver function. Always consult a doctor first.

Midol is not recommended during pregnancy, especially from 20 weeks onward, as NSAIDs can harm the unborn baby. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while pregnant.

Yes, you should use caution. Midol Complete contains caffeine and pyrilamine, which can temporarily raise blood pressure. Midol Extended Relief (ibuprofen) can also cause or worsen hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before use.

It is critical to check for drug interactions. Do not combine Midol with any other medication containing acetaminophen, NSAIDs, alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or MAO inhibitors. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking.

People with kidney disease should be very cautious with Midol, particularly NSAID-containing versions (like ibuprofen), which can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause damage. Acetaminophen is generally safer but still requires careful dosage control. Consult a healthcare provider.

Yes, consuming alcohol with Midol is strongly discouraged. The acetaminophen in Midol can cause serious liver damage when combined with alcohol, especially in chronic users. The pyrilamine can also intensify the sedative effects of alcohol.

If you have glaucoma, you should avoid Midol Complete. The antihistamine ingredient, pyrilamine, has anticholinergic effects that can trigger acute angle-closure glaucoma. Consult a doctor about alternative pain relief options.