The effect of flurbiprofen and naproxen sodium on intra-uterine pressure and menstrual pain in patients with primary dysmenorrhea

Abstract

The effects of flurbiprofen (100 mg) and naproxen sodium (500 mg) on intrauterine pressure and menstrual pain were assessed in 8 women with primary dysmenorrhea using a double-blind parallel study technique. Intrauterine pressure was recorded with a microtransducer catheter for 4 h and resting pressure, active pressure, frequency of pressure cycles, and the area under the curve were analysed in 30 min periods. Prior to medication all the patients displayed signs of uterine hyperactivity as judged by a high resting pressure 55.3 +/- 3.8 mm Hg, high active pressure 175.0 +/- 6.1 mm Hg and a high frequency of pressure cycles 12.3 +/- 0.7 contractions per 0.5 h. Oral administration of flurbiprofen and naproxen sodium significantly suppressed uterine activity and was associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity. However no significant differences were recorded between the two drugs regarding their effects on intrauterine pressure and pain intensity.