From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Dysmenorrhea: For the treatment of dysmenorrhea, beginning with the earliest onset of such pain, ibuprofen tablets should be given in a dose of 400 mg every 4 hours as necessary for the relief of pain.
Controlled studies have demonstrated that ibuprofen tablets are a more effective analgesic than propoxyphene for the relief of ... the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea
In patients with primary dysmenorrhea, ibuprofen tablets have been shown to reduce elevated levels of prostaglandin activity in the menstrual fluid and to reduce resting and active intrauterine pressure, as well as the frequency of uterine contractions.
The treatment option for primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is ibuprofen tablets. The recommended dose is 400 mg every 4 hours as necessary for the relief of pain, starting from the earliest onset of pain. Ibuprofen has been shown to be effective in reducing prostaglandin activity, intrauterine pressure, and uterine contractions in patients with primary dysmenorrhea 1, 1, 1.
From the Research
The most effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, starting 1-2 days before menstruation and continuing through the first few days of bleeding, as recommended by the most recent study 2.
Treatment Options
The treatment of primary dysmenorrhea can be approached through various methods, including:
- Pharmacological treatments, such as NSAIDs and hormonal contraceptives
- Non-pharmacological treatments, such as applying heat to the lower abdomen, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques
- Surgical treatments, which are only indicated in rare cases of severe dysmenorrhea refractory to treatment
Pharmacological Treatments
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or naproxen sodium (500mg initially, then 250mg every 6-8 hours), are the first-line treatment for primary dysmenorrhea, as they reduce prostaglandin production, which causes uterine contractions and pain 2. Hormonal contraceptives, such as combined oral contraceptives, patches, or vaginal rings, provide longer-term management by thinning the uterine lining and reducing menstrual flow 3.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
Non-pharmacological options, such as applying heat to the lower abdomen (20 minutes at a time), regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and dietary changes like reducing caffeine and salt intake, can also be effective in managing primary dysmenorrhea 2.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical treatments, such as endometrial ablation, presacral neurectomy, and laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation, are only indicated in rare cases of severe dysmenorrhea refractory to treatment 2.
Recommendation
Based on the most recent and highest quality study 2, the use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, is the most effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea, and should be started 1-2 days before menstruation and continued through the first few days of bleeding.