Efficacy of indomethacin suppository in primary dysmenorrhoea

Abstract

The efficacy of indomethacin suppositories (100 mg 1-3 times a day) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea was investigated in a double-blind, crossover study involving 40 patients, in comparison to placebo. The patients were treated for four menstrual periods-two periods with placebo and two periods with indomethacin suppositories. A dysmenorrhoeic score based on subjective estimations of nine symptoms was used, the symptoms including pelvic pain, backache, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, nervousness and incapacitation. As compared to placebo, indomethacin suppositories led to a insignificant decrease in the frequency and severity of the associated symptoms, as evaluated by subjective rating (P less than 0.05). Indomethacin suppositories were well tolerated and there was no drop-out. No side effects were reported except for a mild burning sensation in the rectal region experienced by 3 patients on indomethacin suppositories.