Abstract:

Primary dysmenorrhoea can be readily relieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs inhibit prostaglandin synthetase, reducing the level of prostanoids in the uterus and the uterine contractions that cause the painful cramps. Piroxicam--cyclodextrin is rapidly absorbed and quickly reaches peak blood concentrations. Four published clinical studies have evaluated piroxicam--cyclodextrin for relief of primary dysmenorrhoea. Piroxicam--cyclodextrin 20mg once daily was significantly more effective than placebo in relief of dysmenorrhoea, was better than ketoprofen in relieving the abdominal pain of dysmenorrhoea, and had a quicker onset and longer duration of relief than naproxen. Both investigators and patients rated a greater preference for piroxicam--cyclodextrin over the comparator medications. The tolerability of piroxicam--cyclodextrin in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea was good, with a very low incidence of adverse effects.

Keywords: Dysmenorrhoea, treatment; Ketoprofen, therapeutic use; Naproxen, therapeutic use; Nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, therapeutic use; Piroxicam beta cyclodextrin, therapeutic use

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

Affiliations: 1: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas - Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA *