ask your pharmacist

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in treating menstrual cramps associated with PMS. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (brand names Advil and Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). Acetaminophen (Tylenol) also reduces the pain of cramps. Over-the-counter diuretics (water pills) such as pamabrom (Aquaban) can help reduce water retention caused by PMS. But you shouldn't use any of these products for more than a few days in a row.

Some over-the-counter products contain several ingredients for treating multiple symptoms of PMS. Some examples are Midol PMS, Pamprin Maximum Strength, and Tylenol Women’s. These products contain a combination of a pain reliever (acetaminophen or magnesium salicylate) and a diuretic (pamabrom). Midol PMS contains an extra ingredient pyrilamine for its antihistamine effects. If over-the-counter remedies don't treat your symptoms, talk with your doctor about prescription medicines.

Sources:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
Integrative Medicine Access. Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.

This answer prepared 12/26/2000.
This information updated 2/2/2007.

• >ibuprofen
• >Aleve
• >ketoprofen
• > Acetaminophen
• >Pamprin Maximum Strength