Introduction
It is common for people to experience different kinds of pain at different times in their lives, such as menstrual cramps, headaches, and fever. In such instances, pain relief medication is often taken to alleviate the discomfort. Midol and Tylenol are among the most commonly used pain relief medications, but there are differences between them that people may not be aware of. This article aims to delve into the differences between Midol and Tylenol for anyone wondering which one to use.
What is Midol?
Midol is a medication used primarily by women to alleviate menstrual cramps, as well as symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as bloating, headaches, and backaches. It contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, caffeine, and pyrilamine maleate. While the acetaminophen in Midol provides pain relief, the caffeine helps to enhance the effects of the pain reliever, while pyrilamine maleate reduces bloating and fluid retention associated with PMS.
What is Tylenol?
Tylenol, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter pain reliever that contains acetaminophen as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of pain-relievers known as analgesics that work to relieve pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds) that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Tylenol is used to alleviate mild to moderate pain such as headaches, fever, and toothaches, among others.
Differences between Midol and Tylenol
Ingredients
One of the most notable differences between Midol and Tylenol is the ingredients that they contain. Midol contains acetaminophen, caffeine, and pyrilamine maleate. Acetaminophen is the pain reliever while caffeine enhances its effects, and pyrilamine maleate is an antihistamine that helps to reduce bloating and fluid retention associated with PMS. Tylenol, on the other hand, contains only acetaminophen in varying doses.
Targeted Pain
While Midol is mainly used to alleviate menstrual cramps and other symptoms associated with PMS, Tylenol is a general pain reliever that can be used to treat a range of pains, including headaches, back pains, fever, and toothaches.
Doses
Another difference between Midol and Tylenol is the dose in which they are taken. Midol typically comes in a single pill containing 500mg acetaminophen, 60mg caffeine, and 15mg pyrilamine maleate. This can be taken up to three times a day, but not more than ten tablets in a week. On the other hand, Tylenol comes in different doses, from the low dose of 325mg to an extra-strength dose of 500mg. The recommended dose of Tylenol for adults is 325-1000mg every four to six hours, with the maximum dose not exceeding 4000mg in a day.
Side effects
Every medication has its side effects, and Midol and Tylenol are no exception. The side effects that come with the use of Midol include dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness, while Tylenol can cause nausea, skin rash, and liver damage when taken in large doses. It is essential to stick to the recommended doses of the pain relievers to avoid unwanted side effects.
When should you use either of the pain relievers?
Midol should be used to relieve the symptoms associated with menstrual cramps and PMS. Tylenol, on the other hand, can be used to alleviate mild to moderate pain such as fever, headaches, and toothaches.
Conclusion
In summary, the differences between Midol and Tylenol are significant. Midol is primarily used for menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms and contains acetaminophen, caffeine, and pyrilamine maleate, while Tylenol is a general pain reliever that contains only acetaminophen. Midol generally comes in a single dose, while Tylenol comes in low to extra-strength doses. It is essential to understand the differences between the two and when to use each to alleviate pain effectively.