Can menstrual cramps be relieved with medication?

The article is professionally consulted by a doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Dysmenorrhea, also known as dysmenorrhea, is pain that occurs in the lower back or abdomen in women during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea is divided into 2 types: Primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.

Most women have menstrual cramps, if mild, can tolerate or apply non-pharmacological treatments. However, in the case of severe, continuous and prolonged abdominal pain, drug intervention is required to minimize the pain.
In general, dysmenorrhea drugs work by two mechanisms. One is to relax the uterine muscles, causing the contractions to subside, leading to less menstrual pain. The second is to help inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins - the cause of uterine contractions in the body.
1.1 Some groups of drugs to relieve dysmenorrhea Muscular antispasmodics: often contain the ingredients dipropylin, alverin, drotaverin; It relaxes the uterine muscles leading to pain relief. Female sex hormone drugs: using a combination of drugs containing estrogen and progesterone or dydrogesterone, lynestrenol (progesterone derivatives). Birth control pills can be used as a very effective pain reliever. Prostaglandin inhibitors: also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Mefenamic Acid). In addition, this group of drugs is often chosen to treat women who have not yet had sex. 1.2 Common pain relievers for menstrual cramps Cataflam : This is a form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, the main ingredient is sodium of Diclofenac. Cataflam menstrual pain medicine, if used in high doses for a long time, can lead to some side effects such as gastrointestinal ulcers, increased liver enzymes, and decreased kidney function. In the case of using Cataflam for treatment, dangerous complications such as nausea, diarrhea, and epigastric pain may appear. Contraindicated with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Aspirin), anticoagulants (Heparin, Ticlopidine). It should be noted that people with advanced peptic ulcer disease, people with asthma, people with severe liver and kidney failure, people with hypersensitivity to drugs should not use this drug.

Mefenamic acid: This is also one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with oral doses, it should be noted that this drug should not be used for more than 7 days. In the case of taking Mefenamic acid for treatment, symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, digestive disorders, rash, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia may appear. Note carefully when using the drug in the state of dehydration, people with a history of epilepsy. Contraindicated with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Aspirin), anticoagulants (Curamin). People with active stomach ulcers, asthmatics, pregnant women, and people who are sensitive to drugs should absolutely not use this medicine.
Hyoscinum: This is one of the muscle-directed antispasmodics. The mechanism of action of this drug is to paralyze the sympathomimetic and is often used in cases of pain caused by spasms, typically dysmenorrhea. In the case of using Hyoscinum for treatment, there may be dry mouth, heart palpitations, urinary retention, skin allergies. Contraindicated for people with glaucoma, prostate gland disorders, pyloric stenosis. Alverin: This is also one of the antispasmodic drugs with muscle-directed effects. The mechanism of action of this drug is to inhibit the contractions caused by acetylcholine and is often used in cases of pain caused by spasms, typically menstrual pain. Contraindicated for people with low blood pressure.

Attention: People under 16 years old should not use Cataflam, Mefenamic acid.
In general, the cause of menstrual pain can be understood as an increase in contractions in the uterus. Cataflam, Mefenamic Acid are two generic pain relievers, so they have many side effects; while Hyoscinum, Alverin is a specific antispasmodic drug, so there are fewer side effects.
Therefore, Hyoscinum, Alverin are 2 safer menstrual pain relievers, in addition to being easily purchased as generic drugs, both economical and highly effective.
However, dysmenorrhea can occur with many different life stages, for example, children have other causes, adults have other causes, so it is best when having symptoms of dysmenorrhea, the patient should go to the hospital. See gynecologists for examination and especially do not arbitrarily take medicine without a doctor's prescription.