British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
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Br J Obstet Gynaecol · Jul 1998
Meta AnalysisEfficacy of minor analgesics in primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review.
To quantify the efficacy and safety of naproxen, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, aspirin and acetaminophen (paracetamol) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea through a systemic overview of randomised controlled trials. ⋯ Naproxen, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and aspirin are all effective in primary dysmenorrhoea. Ibuprofen appears to have the most favourable risk-benefit ratio. Acetaminophen appears to be less effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but there was only one trial meeting our inclusion criteria and further studies are required.