What Helps With Period Cramps? 5 OTC Medications, Plus Home Remedies

Period cramps can make it hard to focus, sleep, exercise, or even get through your day. Many people look for relief every month. For some, this means finding the best medicine for period cramps. For others, this means trying home remedies for cramps or figuring out how to reduce period pain fast.

The good news is that there are several effective options for menstrual pain management. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can work quickly to relieve cramps, and simple at-home strategies may also help. Here’s what to know about choosing an OTC medication for menstrual cramps.

What are the best OTC medicines for period cramps?

OTC pain medications are a helpful way to manage painful cramps without a prescription or a visit to a healthcare professional. They offer quick relief if you’re already experiencing cramps. You can also take some OTC pain relievers before your period starts. Some research suggests taking certain pain relievers 1 to 2 days before your period may help prevent cramps from getting too intense in the first place. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also recommends continuing these medications through the second or third day of bleeding. 

To help you sort through your options, we’ve reviewed our top five recommendations. We’ll explain how and why they work, and when it may be best to take them. If you aren’t sure whether these medications are safe for you, it’s best to first check in with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.

1. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can relieve pain caused by period cramps. NSAIDs help block the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause cramps.

Dosage: For menstrual cramps, a usual dosage of ibuprofen is 2 pills (400 mg total) by mouth every 6 hours, as needed. Don’t take more than 1,200 mg of OTC ibuprofen in 24 hours.

2. Naproxen (Aleve)

Naproxen (Aleve) is another NSAID that treats period cramps. Like ibuprofen, it works by blocking prostaglandins. Research suggests that all NSAIDs provide similar relief from period cramps. This means you can usually choose the one that works best for your schedule, symptoms, or preferences. 

Dosage: For menstrual cramps, take 1 tablet (220 mg) by mouth every 8 to 12 hours, as needed. Don’t take more than 3 tablets (660 mg) of OTC naproxen in 24 hours.

3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also a pain reliever, but it works differently from NSAIDs. It blocks chemicals in your brain that cause pain. Research suggests that NSAIDs may work better than acetaminophen for menstrual cramps. But acetaminophen can be a good option for some people.

Dosage: A typical dosage of acetaminophen is 2 tablets (650 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours, as needed. For more intense pain, you can take up to 2 tablets (1,000 mg) every 6 hours, as needed.

In general, most adults and children ages 12 and older shouldn’t take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours. People with liver conditions and other medical problems may need to take less. Talk with your healthcare team to see what dose is right for you.

4. Midol

Midol is a well-known brand that makes products marketed specifically for period symptoms. Many pharmacies stock them in the same aisle as pads and tampons instead of the pain relief section. Generic versions of Midol with the same active ingredients are also available.

In addition to a pain reliever (usually acetaminophen), Midol products may also contain:

• Pyrilamine: This antihistamine may reduce bloating.

• Caffeine: This can help with fatigue and possibly bloating.

• Pamabrom: This diuretic (water pill) helps you get rid of extra fluid and may also help with bloating. 

Here’s a breakdown of different Midol products and what 1 caplet contains: 

• Midol Complete: 500 mg acetaminophen, 60 mg caffeine, and 15 mg pyrilamine maleate

• Midol Complete Caffeine Free: 500 mg acetaminophen, 25 mg pamabrom, and 15 mg pyrilamine maleate

• Midol Bloat Relief: 50 mg pamabrom

• Midol Long Lasting Relief: 650 mg acetaminophen 

Dosage: The dosage of Midol depends on the ingredients. But many Midol products recommend taking 2 caplets by mouth every 6 to 8 hours. They also typically warn not to take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours. Carefully read the product’s OTC Drug Facts label to see which ingredients it contains and how to take it.

5. Pamprin

Pamprin is another brand that makes products specifically for period symptoms. 

Pamprin products contain a pain reliever, usually acetaminophen or aspirin, along with other ingredients that may be helpful for other symptoms.

Here’s what each Pamprin product contains per caplet: 

• Pamprin Multi-Symptom: 500 mg acetaminophen, 25 mg pamabrom, and 15 mg pyrilamine maleate

• Pamprin Max Pain + Energy: 250 mg acetaminophen, 250 mg aspirin, and 65 mg caffeine

Dosage: The directions are the same for both Pamprin products: 2 caplets by mouth every 6 hours. Don’t take more than 8 caplets in 24 hours. 

Keep in mind that people younger than age 19 should avoid aspirin. Aspirin can increase the risk of a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in adolescents and young adults.

How do OTC medicines work to relieve cramps?

OTC medications work to ease period cramps in a few different ways:

• NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), work by slowing down the production of prostaglandins. These chemicals drive inflammation and pain pathways. Fewer prostaglandins mean less pain. 

• Others, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), directly block pain receptors. 

• Some OTC medications, like Midol or Pamprin, contain a combination of ingredients to help target other period symptoms as well, like bloating and fatigue.

How to choose the best OTC period cramp medicine for you

The best OTC medicine for period cramps depends on your symptoms, schedule, and the side effects you want to avoid.

If cramps are your main symptom, a single pain reliever, like ibuprofen or naproxen, is usually enough. NSAIDs tend to work best for menstrual cramps because they reduce the chemicals that trigger uterine contractions and pain. Naproxen may be a good option if you want longer-lasting relief and fewer doses throughout the day.

Home remedies to get rid of period cramps

Home remedies are another option for period pain relief. You can try home remedies for cramps on their own or along with OTC pain relievers for additional relief. Many of these approaches help relax the muscles of your uterus, improve blood flow, or ease other symptoms that can come along with menstrual cramps. 

Here are some natural treatments you can try:

• Heat: Take a hot bath or put a heating pad on your belly. Be sure to put a towel or cloth between your skin and the heating pad. Heat therapy is a great way to quickly ease period pains. 

• Stretching: Stretching exercises that target your belly and pelvic muscles may be as effective as some OTC medications. For example, gentle yoga poses like “cat-cow” can help ease your pain within minutes.

• Exercise: It might feel like the last thing you want to do, but try a light walk, jog, swim, cycle, yoga, or Pilates practice. Exercise can help prevent and treat menstrual cramps. 

• Orgasm: An organism can temporarily ease feelings of pain. 

• Helpful foods: Eating foods rich in iron and magnesium may help with bloating, fatigue, and cramps. Aim for spinach, red meat, dark chocolate, almonds, and avocados. Limit foods high in sugar and salt, which can make bloating worse.

• Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated can reduce period pain, and drinking water is one of the best options for hydration. But some research suggests that certain teas may be especially helpful for period cramps. Raspberry leaf, ginger, and camomile tea have all been linked to reduced period pain.

• Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being aware of what you’re experiencing, without judging it. Some studies have found that mindfulness-based exercises can help reduce pelvic pain, making it a potential treatment for period cramps.

• Aromatherapy: There’s some evidence that aromatherapy can help get rid of period cramps. Lavender may be especially effective.

• Massage therapy: Pamper yourself with a massage, since it’s been shown to help relieve period cramps. 

• Acupressure: Acupressure is a traditional Chinese technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on your body to promote healing. One study found that training women to apply acupressure points was more effective than ibuprofen in reducing period pain. Some smartphone apps may also be useful for reminding you when and where to apply pressure. 

Preventing period cramps

It’s not always possible to prevent period cramps. But there are steps you can take to try and lessen your symptoms, including:

• Starting NSAIDs before cramps begin: Starting NSAID therapy 1 or 2 days before your period starts can help keep period pains from becoming too intense. 

• Exercise: Regular movement may help reduce the severity of period cramps. Activities like walking, yoga, stretching, or aerobic exercise can all help, especially when done several times per week.

• Hormonal medications: Hormonal birth control, like birth control pills, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implants (like Nexplanon), can prevent painful periods. Your healthcare team can help you choose an option that’s right for you.

When should you see a healthcare professional for menstrual cramps?

You should talk to your healthcare team if OTC treatments and home remedies haven’t relieved your painful periods. Sometimes painful periods can be a sign of an underlying health condition, like:

• Endometriosis

• Uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• Abnormal pregnancy or miscarriage

You should also talk with your healthcare team if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Pain with sex

• Pain when you pee or have a bowel movement

• Heavy bleeding with blood clots during your period

• Frequent bleeding in between your periods

• Worsening pelvic pain

• Fever

Your healthcare team can make sure your pain isn’t from another cause. And they may have additional treatment options for painful periods. 

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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 currently practices as a clinical pharmacist at Buffalo General Medical Center.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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