Pamprin Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Pamprin is a brand name for a line of over-the-counter (OTC) menstrual period medications. They’re popular choices for relieving symptoms like cramps and bloating. Since there are a few Pamprin products on the market, it’s important to know how to take the one you select.

To help you out, we put together a guide of typical Pamprin dosages and instructions for use.

What’s the typical Pamprin dosage for adults?

Pamprin isn’t the name of one medication. It’s a brand name of two different OTC products. Each version contains a different combination of active ingredients. But both have a pain reliever to help with menstrual cramps and other body aches. It’s important to read the OTC “Drug Facts” label for the list of ingredients and specific instructions for use.

Pamprin Multi-Symptom

Pamprin Multi-Symptom comes as oral caplets. One caplet contains:

• 500 mg of acetaminophen (a pain reliever)

• 25 mg of pamabrom (a mild diuretic to help relieve bloating)

• 15 mg of pyrilamine maleate (an antihistamine that may help with irritability)

The adult Pamprin Multi-Symptom dosage for people age 12 and older is 2 caplets by mouth every 6 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 8 caplets in 24 hours.

Pamprin Max Pain + Energy

Pamprin Max Pain + Energy also comes as oral caplets. One caplet contains:

• 250 mg of acetaminophen (a pain reliever)

• 250 mg of aspirin (a pain reliever)

• 65 mg of caffeine (to help combat fatigue and relieve bloating)

The Pamprin Max Pain + Energy dosage for adults age 19 and older is 2 caplets by mouth every 6 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 8 caplets in 24 hours.

Good to know: One dose of Pamprin Max Pain + Energy contains as much or more caffeine than a cup of coffee. It’s best to avoid taking this version of Pamprin at bedtime and limit caffeinated drinks while taking it.

What’s the typical Pamprin dosage for children?

Pamprin Multi-Symptom can be safely given to adolescents age 12 and older. For children younger than 12, contact their healthcare provider for recommendations to manage period symptoms.

Children and teens under 19 years old shouldn’t take Pamprin Max Pain + Energy. This is because it contains aspirin. Aspirin can cause a dangerous condition known as Reye’s syndrome in people 18 years of age and younger. Symptoms can include extreme tiredness, confusion, and seizures.

Reye’s syndrome can be life threatening. So it’s best to avoid aspirin-containing products until you’re at least 19 years old.

Pamprin Multi-Symptom

The Pamprin Multi-Symptom dosage for adolescents age 12 and older is the same as it is for adults. Take 2 caplets by mouth every 6 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 8 caplets in 24 hours.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

While Pamprin is safe for many people to take, there are some times when you might want to avoid it. Prior to taking Pamprin products, speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you:

• Are taking other medications that contain acetaminophen

• Have liver or kidney disease

• Have high blood pressure or heart disease

• Have glaucoma

• Have a breathing problem, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis

• Have a condition that raises the risk of stomach bleeding, or a history of stomach bleeding from aspirin

• Are taking blood thinners, diuretics, or corticosteroid medications

• Are currently breastfeeding

• Have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in Pamprin products

What happens if you miss a dose of Pamprin?

Pamprin products are taken as needed for period symptoms. This means that you don’t need to worry about missed doses. Just make sure to wait at least 6 hours between each dose. Taking Pamprin sooner than this raises your risk of side effects.

What should you do if you take too much Pamprin?

Taking too much Pamprin can lead to side effects. In severe cases, it could be dangerous. Potential risks depend on the ingredients in the specific Pamprin product. But because both products contain acetaminophen, taking too much of either version can cause liver problems.

Be sure to speak to your pharmacist before combining Pamprin with other pain relief or OTC medications for period symptoms. Many products contain the same or similar ingredients as Pamprin. This could raise your risk of an unintended overdose.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has taken too much Pamprin, contact a healthcare provider, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How to save on Pamprin

There are many ways to save on Pamprin, which is available as both brand-name and generic medications. By having your healthcare provider write a prescription for OTC Pamprin, GoodRx can help you save. Generic Pamprin's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $4.83 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP, has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist, professor, and researcher. She was a full-time clinical professor in the pharmacy practice department at D’Youville School of Pharmacy before subsequently joining the faculty of the pharmacy practice department at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

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