Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Outcome trials reviewed

Patricia R. Owen, P R Owen
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology · 1984 · vol. 148(1) , pp. 96–103 · doi:10.1016/s0002-9378(84)80039-3 · PMID:6419611 · W146503686
Non-randomised trial OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 25 in-corpus citations
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This paper investigated the efficacy of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors for treating primary dysmenorrhea.

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Abstract

Clinical trials of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (PGSIs) prescribed for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea were reviewed as to pain relief effectiveness, frequency and nature of side effects, and methodological adequacy. The review investigated 51 PGSI trials for a total of 1,649 women and 682 menstrual cycles and found that, over all, 72% of dysmenorrheic women reported significant pain relief to PGSI, 18% reported minimal or no pain relief, and 15% showed placebo response. Comparisons among the fenamatic compounds, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and naproxen showed the fenamates to be more effective in providing pain relief. PGSI-associated side effects were minimal for all PGSIs with the exception of indomethacin. Results were evaluated with respect to several methodological problems. Conclusions were drawn that despite these shortcomings, PGSIs are undoubtedly effective and safe for the majority of women with primary dysmenorrhea.

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Condition tags

dysmenorrhea

MeSH descriptors

Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Dysmenorrhea Flufenamic Acid Ibuprofen Indomethacin Mefenamic Acid Naproxen Clinical Trials as Topic Dysmenorrhea Female Flufenamic Acid Humans Ibuprofen Indomethacin Indomethacin Mefenamic Acid Naproxen

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