Yes, it can: the Midol Complete Gelcaps label says "you may get drowsy," and it says to be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. It also says alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness.
The same label lists caffeine (60 mg per gelcap) among the active ingredients and says to limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, or beverages while taking it, because too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, and sleeplessness. This page is about Midol Complete Gelcaps; if your Midol box lists different active ingredients, its own Drug Facts label is the one that applies.
What the label says
Midol Complete Gelcaps combines three active ingredients in each gelcap - acetaminophen 500 mg (pain reliever), caffeine 60 mg (diuretic), and pyrilamine maleate 15 mg (antihistamine). Its label has wording that runs in two directions on sleep:
Who should ask a doctor first
The label says do not use Midol Complete Gelcaps with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription) - if you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist - and do not use it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
The Midol Complete Gelcaps label says to ask a doctor before use if you have:
- liver disease
- glaucoma
- difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland
- a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- or if you are taking the blood thinning drug warfarin, or sedatives or tranquilizers - those are doctor-or-pharmacist questions on the label
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the label says to ask a health professional before use. For children under 12, it says to consult a doctor. A pharmacist or your prescriber is the right reviewer for your full medication list. An AI consult can help you work out what to ask; it is not a substitute for that review.
Common questions
Does Midol make you sleepy?
It can: the Midol Complete Gelcaps label says "you may get drowsy," and it says to be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.
Can Midol keep you awake?
The label lists caffeine 60 mg per gelcap among the active ingredients and says to limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, or beverages while taking it, because too much caffeine may cause sleeplessness. It notes the recommended dose contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.
Can I drink alcohol with Midol?
The Midol Complete Gelcaps label says to avoid alcoholic drinks, says alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness, and its liver warning says severe liver damage may occur with 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.
Does this apply to every Midol product?
This page covers Midol Complete Gelcaps only. Check the Drug Facts on your own box - the active ingredients listed there are the label that applies to it.