By: Temitope Oyetunji. MBBS, FWACP (Family Medicine). Reviewed by Chinedu Akpa, B.P harm.
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Period pain does not wait for a convenient time, does it? So what do you do when period pain strikes and you cannot afford to curl up in bed all day? Which over-the-counter pain medications can come to your rescue and make sure you don’t miss a beat even during your period?
This article is your guide to the best over-the-counter (OTC) medications for period pain, how they work, practical tips for choosing a suitable one, and how to use them effectively.
Period pain, or dysmenorrhoea, is a common gynaecological condition among women of reproductive age. It ranges from mild to severe pain, and women who experience severe pain may lose productive work days if they do not use appropriate medications.
Period pain is caused by contractions (tightening) in the uterus (womb). These contractions are caused by prostaglandins (chemicals produced by the lining of the womb). The higher the levels of prostaglandins produced, the more intense the menstrual cramps women experience. [1, 2]
This is where over-the-counter pain relievers come in. Many of these medications work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which leads to reduced intensity of contractions and, in turn, reduced period pain. Others help by relaxing the muscles of the uterus (womb), providing much-needed period pain relief. [1-3]
Related: Commonly Used Primary Care Pain Medications in Nigeria
Over-the-counter pain medications and smooth muscle relaxants are often your go-to solutions for managing primary period pain (dysmenorrhoea). The best part? You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to get them. This makes them an accessible and convenient option as you look for quick relief from menstrual cramps.
Common options include:
These are the recommended first options for the treatment of period pain. [3, 4] Examples include:
NSAIDs are highly effective for treating period pain. While research indicates that these medications are all effective in treating menstrual pain, some studies suggest that ibuprofen stands out as the best option, considering both effectiveness and safety. [4, 5]
NSAIDs block the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenase. Research shows that they are generally more effective than paracetamol for relieving period pain. [2, 6]
For the best results, it is recommended that you start taking NSAIDs 1 to 2 days before your period begins and continue throughout the first 2 to 3 days. Using them on a regular schedule, rather than only when pain starts, can significantly improve their effectiveness. [1, 2]
Common side effects associated with long-term NSAID use include the risk of belly (gastrointestinal, GI) problems [7, 8] such as:
Other side effects include:
Related: Drug Facts for Africans: Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen/Paracetamol
Acetaminophen or Paracetamol is another option for the treatment of period pain, but it is generally considered a second-line option after NSAIDs.
Because of its weaker effect on prostaglandin production, paracetamol is recommended for mild-to-moderate period pain or dysmenorrhoea. [2, 4]
It is also a good alternative for you if you experience side effects when you take NSAIDs or if your doctor has advised against taking them.
Related: Drug Facts for Africans: Acetaminophen
Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan) is widely used in Africa for the treatment of abdominal pain. It is also a good treatment option for period pain because it relaxes smooth muscles including those of the uterus (womb) thereby reducing uterine contractions and menstrual cramps. [1, 6]
Studies have shown that some people do not experience relief when they take NSAIDs. If this is you, Buscopan can be a good option. [6]
Common side effects of buscopan include:
These medications combine more than one type of pain medication for the treatment of period pain. This approach can offer better results than relying on a single medication.
Common combination medications include:
Combination therapies can be a good choice for you if taking one medication alone does not provide adequate relief for your menstrual pain.
They also give you more options for effective pain relief. For example if NSAIDs cause side effects for you and paracetamol alone is not effective, a combination of buscopan and paracetamol might work better.
With several options to choose from, selecting the right over-the-counter medication for your period pain does not have to be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to guide you:
Not all period pains are the same. Are your cramps mild or severe? Paracetamol may be used for mild menstrual cramps, while NSAIDs or Buscopan can be used for more severe pain.
If you experience side effects like stomach upset from NSAIDs or have been diagnosed with stomach ulcers, NSAIDs may not be your best option. Paracetamol is generally easier on the stomach. Alternatively, an NSAID with less stomach irritation and bleeding effect like Celecoxib or a combination of NSAID and another group of medications called proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce stomach-related side effects and may be better options.
If you have been diagnosed with kidney problems or you have other underlying health conditions, paracetamol and buscopan may be a safer option for you than NSAIDs. [7]
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is the most affordable option for managing period pain. Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan) is also budget-friendly. Both are readily available in pharmacies and chemist shops across most African communities.
NSAIDs and combination medications tend to be more expensive than and certain NSAIDS like Celecoxib may not be as commonly avialable for purchase as others (e.g., Ibuprofen).
It is important to consult a healthcare professional when in doubt about the best over-the-counter pain medications for you. You should also be cautious about long-term or excessive use that exceeds the recommended manufacturer’s dosage. If you have any side effects from any of the common OTC medications discussed or your period pain persists for more than 3 days, you should consult your healthcare provider.
Additionally, not all period pains respond to over-the-counter pain relievers. This is especially true for period pain caused by secondary period pain or dysmenorrhoea. This type of period pain is caused by underlying medical conditions or pelvic abnormalities like endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Symptoms that may suggest secondary period pain or warrant a visit to your healthcare provider include:
Treatment for secondary period pain or dysmenorrhoea involves medical evaluation by a healthcare professional and other treatments options besides pain relievers.
Related: Treatment of Period Pain in African Females
Although medications are currently the most effective treatment for period pain, other non-medicinal options can be used to complement medications.
These include:
Changes that help reduce period pain include:
Applying heat to the lower abdomen is an effective way to relieve period pain. You can use hot water bottles, heating pads or even warm water in a container. Be careful not to use excessive hot water that will cause skin burn.
You can also try these home remedies to help improve period pain:
A male pharmacist standing in a pharmacy aisle with shelves of medications around him. Designed by Freepik
In Africa, accessing over-the-counter pain medications is not always as simple as walking into a pharmacy or medicine store. Certain challenges hinder access to over-the-counter pain medications. These include:
In some rural areas, medicine stores are either not accessible or lack essential medicines. Women in these areas may have to travel long distances to find even basic medications.
Poor government policies and inconsistent regulation of medicine stores and medication sales often lead to counterfeit or substandard drugs entering the market, posing risks to women who depend on these medications.
Where available, cost may be another issue, especially for women from low-income households who must choose between managing their pain and meeting other essential needs.
Many women are not aware of effective over-the-counter options or how to use them. For those who are aware, misinformation or misconceptions about the safety of these medications can discourage women from seeking treatment.
In some communities, discussing menstrual pain or seeking treatment is uncommon, leaving many women to suffer in silence without the support they need.
Effective pain medications for period pain are widely available, many of them accessible over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription. What this means is that no woman needs to lose productive days to period pain. With the right information, you can choose a suitable pain medication based on your symptoms, medical history and preferences. For pain linked to secondary causes, healthcare professionals can guide you toward effective treatment.
In Africa, where access to treatments may be limited, raising awareness about the safety and benefits of over-the-counter options for period pain is crucial.
You deserve to feel your best even during your period. When period pain threatens to disrupt your day, remember you can always turn to over-the-counter pain medications for relief.
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5. Nie W, Xu P, Hao C, Chen Y, Yin Y, Wang L. Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter analgesics for primary dysmenorrhea. Medicine (Baltimore) [Internet]. 2020 May 8 [cited 2025 Jan 20];99(19):e19881. Available from here.
6. Oladosu FA, TU FF, Hellman KM. NSAID resistance in dysmenorrhea: epidemiology, causes, and treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol [Internet]. 2018 Apr [cited 2025 Jan 20];218(4):390–400. Available from here.
7. Sharghi M, Mansurkhani SM, Ashtary-Larky D, Kooti W, Niksefat M, Firoozbakht M, et al. An update and systematic review on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. JBRA Assisted Reproduction [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2025 Jan 20]; Available from here.
8. Gobba S, Kibone W, Kiguba R. Self-reported gastrointestinal adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in female students with dysmenorrhoea at Makerere University: prevalence, discontinuation and associated factors. a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open [Internet]. 2024 Jun 6 [cited 2025 Jan 20];14(6):e079660. Available from here.
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Published: January 25, 2025
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