Trial of the calcium antagonist nifedipine in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea

Abstract

The effect of the calcium antagonist, nifedipine, on menstrual pain was investigated in 40 women with severe, primary dysmenorrhoea and 36 of them were observed over 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Twenty-six patients experienced good pain relief, 10 moderate relief and 4 reported no benefit. The frequency of symptoms associated with menstrual pain was not reduced. Fifteen women regularly suffering from migraine during the menstrual period reported increased headache after intake of the drug. Due to this side effect four of these patients did not continue treatment for more than one cycle. All patients had transient facial flushing occurring 15–30min after drug intake; this was well tolerated. An increase in pulse rate was also invariably found. However, only 5 patients complained of palpitations. Twenty-five of the 36 women completing the three-month trial wanted to continue nifedipine therapy regularly. It is concluded that calcium antagonists like nifedipine can be used for treatment of severe primary dysmenorrhoea, and that further evaluations of these drugs are indicated.