Zomepirac sodium in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea syndrome

Zomepirac sodium was compared with placebo for relief of primary dysmenorrhea syndrome in a double-blind, crossover study of 47 patients. The agents were taken in three separate crossovers during six menstrual periods. Abdominal cramping and 25 other symptoms of dysmenorrhea syndrome were evaluated daily. Zomepirac was significantly more effective than placebo in relieving 12 of 13 primary symptoms and 6 of 13 associated symptoms (P less than or equal to 0.05). While taking zomepirac, patients were able to continue normal activities on a significantly higher proportion of days (P less than 0.001) and required supplemental analgesics significantly less often (P less than 0.001). Zomepirac was well tolerated by these patients. Gastrointestinal disturbances accounted for the largest proportion of adverse effects from either agent. These results indicate that zomepirac gave excellent relief of the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in this study population.