Trial of prostaglandin-synthetase inhibitors in primary dysmenorrhoea

Abstract

The prostaglandin-synthetase inhibitors, mefenamic acid and flufenamic acid, were compared with the analgesic, dextropropoxyphene/paracetamol, in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea in a double-blind crossover trial. Results were assessed in 30 patients who took each drug during menstruation for three consecutive cycles. The patients' assessment of each drug suggests that both mefenamic acid and flufenamic acid are more effective than the other analgesic for general relief of symptoms and for most of nine individual symptoms subjectively assessed by the patient. There was less absenteeism from work or school during mefenamic-acid treatment and fewer capsules of mefenamic acid were taken compared with the other two drugs. Patients took significantly fewer additional analgesics during mefenamic-acid therapy than during treatment with the other two drugs. 5 patients had possible side-effects--3 patients on mefenamic acid and 2 on dextropropoxyphene/paracetamol.

PIP: In a double-blind corss-over trial, 30 patients experiencing primary dysmenorrhea were treated with 2 prostaglandin inhibitors, mefenamic acid (250mg) and flufenamic acid (100 mg), and an analgesia, dexhropropoxyphene (32.5 mg)/paracetamol (325 mg) (D.H. and P.). The patients took each drug for 3 consecutive cycles and were subjectively assessed. Results indicate that there was no significant difference between mefenamic acid and flufenamic acid nor flufenamic acid and D.H. and P.; however, mefenamic acid was significantly better than D.H. and P. The total number of mefenamic acid capsules taken was significantly less than either flufenamic acid or D.H. and P. In rating side effects, mefenamic acid was significantly better in reducing the effects of faintness, nausea, and constipation and flufenamic acid was statistically significant in reducing nausea. There were possible side effects in 3 women taking mefenamic acid and in 2 women taking D.H. and P.