You generally should not drink alcohol while taking Midol, especially not heavily or on a regular basis. Midol products usually contain acetaminophen plus other ingredients, and alcohol increases both liver and side‑effect risks when combined with these medicines.
Why alcohol is a problem
Most Midol formulas (Midol Complete, Menstrual Relief, etc.) include acetaminophen for pain relief, which is processed by the liver. Alcohol is also broken down in the liver, and using both together raises the risk of liver damage, especially if you drink more than about three alcoholic drinks a day or exceed the recommended Midol dose.
Some Midol versions also contain antihistamines or diphenhydramine (like Midol PM), which can cause drowsiness, and alcohol can make that sedation much stronger, worsening dizziness and impairing coordination and alertness.
What occasional drinking means
Drug information sources often advise avoiding alcohol entirely while taking these combination menstrual-relief products because of the liver risk label and the chance of increased side effects. However, medical articles on acetaminophen note that for most healthy adults who stay within the recommended acetaminophen dose, a small amount of alcohol is unlikely to cause harm, though the risk rises sharply with heavy drinking or overdose of either alcohol or acetaminophen.
If someone chooses to drink, safer practice is to:
- Stay well under the maximum daily acetaminophen dose listed on the package.
- Limit alcohol to a low amount and avoid drinking daily, especially with any history of liver disease or frequent alcohol use.
When to avoid alcohol completely
Avoid alcohol altogether and contact a clinician before mixing it with Midol if:
- There is liver disease, hepatitis, or a history of alcohol use disorder.
- You are using Midol PM or any formula that causes drowsiness, because alcohol can further slow thinking and reaction time and increase the risk of accidents.
Seek urgent medical care if symptoms such as severe upper right abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or extreme fatigue occur after combining acetaminophen products with alcohol, as these can indicate serious liver injury.
Simple rule of thumb
For most people, the safest advice is:
- Treat Midol like any other acetaminophen‑containing pain reliever and avoid drinking while actively using it, especially within the same day or dosing window.
- If there is any doubt about personal risk (other medications, health issues, or how much you drink), ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining the two.