The aches and pains that come with menstruation every month, backaches, stomach pain, and feeling like your body is swelling... these are familiar experiences for many people, aren't they? At times like these, many of us take painkillers from the pharmacy. These are known by names like Midol and Pamprin. But do you know what these pills actually contain, and what things to be careful about when using them? Let's talk about that today.
What are the ingredients in these medications?
Although it may seem like one medicine, it is actually a combination of several medicines. That is why it provides relief from several problems related to menstrual pain. Let's see what the three main ingredients are.
1. Acetaminophen: This is the main pain reliever. It is also known as Paracetamol. It controls things like your headaches, muscle aches, and backaches.
2. Pamabrom: This is a little special. It works by removing excess water from the body through urine. In medicine, we call this a diuretic. This ingredient helps reduce the bloating, swelling, and heaviness that you experience during your period.
3. Pyrilamine: This belongs to the class of medications called antihistamines. We usually use these for allergies. However, this medication has the ability to cause a slight drowsiness. Therefore, it helps to reduce the fatigue and restlessness that come with menstrual pain and bring you some relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although this medicine can be purchased at a pharmacy, it is essential to seek medical advice before using it if you have any health conditions. If any of the following apply to you, please talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If you are a regular drinker .
- If you have the eye disease glaucoma.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have a breathing disease like asthma or COPD.
- If you are a man, you have a prostate disease.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine, or any other medicine, food, or dye contained in this medicine.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a nursing mother .
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. Follow the instructions on the pill label exactly. Do not use more than the prescribed dose.
The important thing is, this is not a medication that you have to take all the time. It should only be used when you have symptoms. That means it is an "as needed" medication.
Although this medicine is usually given to children over 12 years of age, it is best to consult a doctor about this.
Be especially careful about overdose!
This is the most dangerous risk with this medication. If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken more than you think, do not ignore it. Taking too much Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) in particular can cause very serious, even life-threatening, liver damage.
Don't assume you don't have symptoms. Liver damage can happen. So go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What should you pay attention to when taking medication?
- If you need to continue using this medicine for more than 10 days , that is, if your symptoms do not subside, be sure to see a doctor.
- Do not take with other types of paracetamol: This is very important. Since this medicine already contains Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), do not take any other types of paracetamol (like Panadol, Calpol) with it. You may inadvertently get too much paracetamol in your body and cause liver damage. Therefore, before taking any other medicine, read the label to see if it contains Acetaminophen. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: Pyrilamine in this medicine may make you feel drowsy, less alert, and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery after taking this medicine. Also, stand up slowly when getting out of bed or a chair. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall. These side effects may be increased if this medicine is taken with alcohol.
- Serious skin reactions: Although rare, some people may have serious skin reactions to this medicine. If you develop symptoms of a cold, such as fever and body aches, along with red or purple spots on your skin that later blister and peel off; or if you notice swelling of your face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. Let's look at these in a table.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and extreme fatigue. |
| Blistering or peeling skin | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or no urination. |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness/drowsiness | Dizziness / Drowsiness |
| Headache | Headache |
| Nausea/stomach discomfort | Nausea / Upset stomach |
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking medication for other conditions, this medicine may interact with them. So tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be especially careful if you are taking the following medicines:
- Alcohol
- Medication for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for depression
- Medicines for seizures
- Medications to prevent blood clots (e.g. Warfarin)
- Medications given to induce sleep during surgery
- Opioid painkillers
- Other antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds
Take-Home Message
- These medications are a combination of painkillers, decongestants, and antihistamines. They are used to treat pain and discomfort, especially during menstruation.
- These are medications that should be used only when needed , not as a continuous daily medication.
- When taking this medicine, do not take any other medicine containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen) (e.g. Panadol) at the same time for any reason . It can have a very negative effect on the liver.
- If you take more than the prescribed dose, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately or contact the National Poisons Information Center, even if you do not show symptoms.
- If you have other medical conditions (especially liver or kidney disease) or are taking other medications, be sure to consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Avoid driving after taking the medicine as you may feel drowsy.
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