Midrin (Acetaminophen, Isometheptene and Dichloralphenazone) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Midrin

Prescription Migraine Medications »

Migraine medications overview

Migraine is a serious, potentially life-threatening neurological disease that affects nearly 32 million Americans, the majority of whom are women. The hallmark symptom of migraine is an escalating, often unbearable, debilitating headache that is commonly described as intense throbbing or pulsating pain in one area of the head. The pain may be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. In some people, migraines are preceded by visual disturbances known as auras that may include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary blindness.

Migraine medications do not cure migraines. Instead, migraine drugs treat the symptoms using one of two approaches. Some migraine drugs relieve symptoms. Other migraine drugs are used to prevent a migraine attack.

Many migraine sufferers rely on simple pain relievers to get through an attack. These range from over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen to an...

Read the Prescription Migraine Medications article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Midrin User Reviews >>

Midrin

View the Headaches and Migraines Slideshow Pictures

A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow Pictures

Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow Pictures

Take the Migraines Quiz

font size

Midrin Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ISOMETHEPTENE/ACETAMINOPHEN/DICHLORALPHENAZONE - ORAL

(EYE-soe-meth-EP-teen/a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen/ DYE-klor-al-FEN-a-zone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amidrine, Isocom, Midchlor, Midrin

USES: This combination medication is used to relieve tension and migraine headaches. Acetaminophen helps to decrease the pain from the headache. Isometheptene helps to narrow the widened blood vessels in the head. Headache pain can be caused by these widened blood vessels. Dichloralphenazone helps to relax the body.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

For migraine headaches, take at the first sign of the headache as directed by your doctor. Then you will usually take 1 capsule every hour as needed until the headache is relieved, or take as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 5 capsules in a 12-hour period.

For tension headaches, take every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 8 capsules in a 24-hour period.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time (longer than 2 weeks) or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as mental/mood changes, shaking, seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended because this may increase your risk of developing liver problems. (See also Side Effects section.)

Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, the medication not working as well, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.