ICD-10 Specific code N94.4: Primary dysmenorrhoea

Diflunisal is a difluorophenyl derivate of salicylic acid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Diflunisal is a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor. Diflunisal competitively inhibits both cyclooxygenase (COX) -1 and -2, with higher affinity for COX-1, and subsequently blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin precursors. This leads to an inhibition of the formation of prostaglandins that are involved in pain, inflammation and fever. Diflunisal differs from other salicylates, in that it is not metabolized to salicylic acid, hence it has a longer half-life.

Dydrogesterone is an orally-active progestogen having an activity comparable to parenterally administered progesterone.

Flurbiprofen is a propionic acid derivative NSAID which acts through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. In humans flurbiprofen has potent analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative NSAID that has demonstrated its efficacy by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. In humans ibuprofen reduces inflammatory pain, swellings and fever. Furthermore, ibuprofen reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation.

Indometacin has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects, it is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase.

Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties which acts as an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis enzyme cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase produces prostaglandins, some of them being implicated in the development and maintenance of inflammation.

Norethisterone has progestational actions similar to those of progesterone, but is a more potent inhibitor of ovulation and has weak oestrogenic and androgenic properties. It is used to treat a number of disorders of the menstrual cycle.

Paracetamol is a medication used to treat pain and fever. It does appear to selectively inhibit COX activities in the brain, which may contribute to its ability to treat fever and pain.

Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities in animal models. The mechanism of action of rofecoxib is believed to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, via inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

Tenoxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic properties and it also inhibits platelet aggregation.