Naproxen and indomethacin in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

The efficacy of naproxen and indomethacin in the treatment of dysmenorrhea was compared in a double-blind, cross-over study. Both drugs were given to 24 female undergraduates with severe primary dysmenorrhea in four consecutive cycles in a randomized schedule. Both drugs were equally effective. Good or moderate overall relief was achieved in 73% of 48 cycles treated with indomethacin and in 61% of the 48 cycles treated with naproxen. The difference was not statistically significant. Gastrointestinal side-effects occurred in 5 and 7 patients during naproxen and indomethacin treatment respectively. Central nervous system side-effects, dizziness, headache, tiredness, were more common with indomethacin than with naproxen (p less than 0.02). The most important and frequent of these side-effects, dizziness, was complained of by six patients in association with indomethacin but by none with naproxen (p less than 0.05). Only one patient discontinued the treatment because of side-effects.