[header] How to reduce menstrual cramps [title] Take over the counter medication. [step] Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are the first-line medicines for painful menstrual cramping. Nsaids work by blocking the contractions that cause cramps. 
Ibuprofen is the most common of the two. You can take 400-600 mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours or 800 mg every 8 hours with a maximum dose of 2400 mg daily.