naproxen
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
The goals of treating primary dysmenorrhea are to provide relief or significant improvement in symptoms and minimize inference of usual activities.1 Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that is one of the first line non-prescription agents used for treating primary dysmenorrhea.2 Research has identified the over-production of uterine prostaglandins (higher levels of prostaglandins F2α and E2) as a contributing factor to primary dysmenorrhea. NSAIDs are analgesics which inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.2 A meta-analysis of 56 trial confirms beyond doubt that all NSAIDs evaluated (naproxen and ibuprofen) are effective in primary dysmenorrhea. In the systematic review, both naproxen and ibuprofen appeared to be better than aspirin.2
Naproxen 220 – 440 mg every8 to 12 hours should be taken at the onset of menses or pain and continued for 2 to 3 days. Maximum dose for self-medication is 440 mg/day.3 If inadequate pain relief occurs, treatment beginning 1 or 2 days before expected menses may improve symptomatic relief.2 Use with caution in asthmatics or ASA-sensitive patients.3 Avoid in patients at risk of peptic ulcer and in renal impairment.3 Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.3
References:
1. Shimp LA. Disorders Related to Menstruation. In: Beradi RR, Fererri SP, Hume AL et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: An Interactive Approach to Self-Care. 16th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association; 2009: 137–144.
2. Lefebvre G, Pinsonneault O, Antao V et al. Primary Dysmenorrhea Consensus Guideline. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2005 Dec;27(12):1117-46.
3. Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010 Chpt 81: Dysmenorrhea; Canadian Pharmacists Association 775-781.
The goals of treating primary dysmenorrhea are to provide relief or significant improvement in symptoms and minimize inference of usual activities.1 Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that is one of the first line non-prescription agents used for treating primary dysmenorrhea.2 Research has identified the over-production of uterine prostaglandins (higher levels of prostaglandins F2α and E2) as a contributing factor to primary dysmenorrhea. NSAIDs are analgesics which inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.2 A meta-analysis of 56 trial confirms beyond doubt that all NSAIDs evaluated (naproxen and ibuprofen) are effective in primary dysmenorrhea. In the systematic review, both naproxen and ibuprofen appeared to be better than aspirin.2
Naproxen 220 – 440 mg every8 to 12 hours should be taken at the onset of menses or pain and continued for 2 to 3 days. Maximum dose for self-medication is 440 mg/day.3 If inadequate pain relief occurs, treatment beginning 1 or 2 days before expected menses may improve symptomatic relief.2 Use with caution in asthmatics or ASA-sensitive patients.3 Avoid in patients at risk of peptic ulcer and in renal impairment.3 Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.3
References:
1. Shimp LA. Disorders Related to Menstruation. In: Beradi RR, Fererri SP, Hume AL et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: An Interactive Approach to Self-Care. 16th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association; 2009: 137–144.
2. Lefebvre G, Pinsonneault O, Antao V et al. Primary Dysmenorrhea Consensus Guideline. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2005 Dec;27(12):1117-46.
3. Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010 Chpt 81: Dysmenorrhea; Canadian Pharmacists Association 775-781.