The effect of three cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors on intensity of primary dysmenorrheic pain.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effect of 3 different cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors on primary dysmenorrheic pain.

METHOD:

Eleven female patients self-medicated with either placebo (sugar), 25 mg of the COX-2 specific inhibitor rofecoxib, 50 mg of the nonselective COX inhibitor diclofenac potassium, or 7.5 mg of the COX-2 selective inhibitor meloxicam, over 4 menstrual cycles. Pain was assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and a visual analog scale.

RESULTS:

The pain response index, present pain index, and visual analog scale were highly correlated as measures of intensity of pain (r=0.81 to 0.96, P<0.0001). Rofecoxib and diclofenac potassium both decreased the duration of dysmenorrheic pain compared with placebo (P<0.001) and with meloxicam (P<0.01), and were equally effective in improving pain, compared with placebo, after each capsule (P<0.001). When compared with placebo, both drugs also provided 50% or more pain relief, after each capsule (P<0.0048). Meloxicam, although superior to placebo, was not as effective as rofecoxib and diclofenac potassium in reducing pain, and when compared with placebo, was associated with providing 50% or more of pain relief only after the third and fourth capsules (P=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS:

Rofecoxib and diclofenac potassium, when taken in recommended doses, were equally effective in alleviating pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea.

• Authors: Ingrid Chantler, Duncan Mitchell, Andrea Fuller
• Journal: The Clinical journal of pain (Clin J Pain) Vol. 24 Issue 1 Pg. 39-44 (Jan 2008) ISSN: 0749-8047 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18180635 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
• Lactones
• Sulfones
• Thiazines
• Thiazoles
• rofecoxib
• Diclofenac
• Meloxicam

Topics

• Adult
• Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Diclofenac (therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Dysmenorrhea (drug therapy, psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• Lactones (therapeutic use)
• Meloxicam
• Pain Measurement
• Self Medication
• Sulfones (therapeutic use)
• Thiazines (therapeutic use)
• Thiazoles (therapeutic use)