The name of this preparation is Midol and it is sold under the following claims:
“Instantly relieves headache, neuralgia, toothache.”
“Has no depressing effect.”
“More effective than antipyrin, acetanilid, phenacetin or similar pain-relieving products.”
“Midol is the one safe-to-take aid of sufferers of headache.”
“Quickly relieves pain of whatever nature.”
“There is no cumulative action.”
“No bad effect upon the heart or other organs.”
An original package of Midol was purchased and examined in the Association laboratory. The chemists’ report follows:
“Midol is sold in the form of white tablets each weighing, on an average, 0.425 gm. or about six and one-half grains. The tablets are soluble in water, chloroform or benzene to the extent of about 80 per cent. The soluble portion appeared to be largely composed of starch, with about 4.5 per cent. of some inorganic matter, probably talc. The chloroform soluble portion was found to consist chiefly of pyramidon, chemically known as dimethyl-dimethylamino-pyrazolon. Besides pyramidon, the chloroform soluble matter contained a small quantity of caffein and may have contained small amounts of other substances.