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Q: What is Midrin?

Midrin is made up of three medications that work together to treat migraines and headaches. __Isometheptene__ is a sympathomimetic that narrows the blood vessels to lower pain from headaches. __Dichloralphenazone__ is a sedative that slows down the central nervous system (CNS) to help relieve pain and encourage relaxation. __Acetaminophen__ is an analgesic that relieves pain and lowers fever by stopping the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause both pain and fever.

Q: Is Midrin still available?

No, Midrin has been discontinued and is no longer available in the U.S.

Q: Why was Midrin discontinued?

Midrin contains isometheptene, which has been on the market for a very long time, since the time when the FDA approved medications only based on safety, and not effectiveness. In 1962, the law was changed and new medications were only approved if they were found to be safe and effective. Because the isometheptene in Midrin was on the market prior to this change in the law, this medication was "grandfathered" in and allowed to stay on the market. But in 2017, the FDA notified manufacturers to [stop distributing their medications](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/fda-notification-regarding-isometheptene-containing-drug-products) that contained isometheptene, which includes Midrin. Manufacturers would need to have a new drug application approved if they want to re-distribute this medication.

Generic Midrin

Used for Migraine, Tension Headache

Midrin is a combination medication containing isometheptene, dichloralphenazone, and acetaminophen that's used to treat migraines and headaches, but it's no longer available in the U.S. because it was discontinued.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 19, 2021

What is Midrin?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Midrin(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	Sympathomimetic / Sedative / Analgesic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

Midrin(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

Sympathomimetic / Sedative / Analgesic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about Isometheptene/Dichloralphenazone/Acetaminophen

Isometheptene/Dichloralphenazone/Acetaminophen is made up of three medications that work together to treat migraines and headaches. Isometheptene is a sympathomimetic that narrows the blood vessels to lower pain from headaches. Dichloralphenazone is a sedative that slows down the central nervous system (CNS) to help relieve pain and encourage relaxation. Acetaminophen is an analgesic that relieves pain and lowers fever by stopping the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause both pain and fever.

No, Isometheptene/Dichloralphenazone/Acetaminophen has been discontinued and is no longer available in the U.S.

Isometheptene/Dichloralphenazone/Acetaminophen contains isometheptene, which has been on the market for a very long time, since the time when the FDA approved medications only based on safety, and not effectiveness. In 1962, the law was changed and new medications were only approved if they were found to be safe and effective. Because the isometheptene in Isometheptene/Dichloralphenazone/Acetaminophen was on the market prior to this change in the law, this medication was "grandfathered" in and allowed to stay on the market. But in 2017, the FDA notified manufacturers to stop distributing their medications that contained isometheptene, which includes Isometheptene/Dichloralphenazone/Acetaminophen. Manufacturers would need to have a new drug application approved if they want to re-distribute this medication.

Midrin dosage

Typical dosage for Midrin

Interactions between Midrin and other drugs

Midrin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Midrin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

Defibrotide
Dichlorphenamide
Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
Ketorolac
Riociguat
Viloxazine

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.