Nimesulide is a popular
NSAID
and available in various forms including tablets, suppositories,
water-soluble powders, and topical gels. It is an analgesic and antipyretic
in action, apart from its anti inflammatory action. Unlike, other NSAIDs,
the chemical structure of nimesulide does not contain a carboxylic group but
a sulfonanilide moiety as the acidic group. It is absorbed rapidly and
completely after oral administration.
Nimesulide is a
prescription
drug with important analgesic properties. Therefore it is always
recommended to use this medicine under a licensed physician supervision and
as per approved indications found in the Summary of Product Characteristics.
Like all other drugs, when using nimesulide tablets, therapy appropriateness
is of great importance to protect patient's health and guarantee the drug's
therapeutic value. It is also advisable not to use Nimesulide as a routine
analgesic.
Brand Names of Nimesulide
Original nimesulide is manufactured by
Helsinn Healthcare and distributed world-wide through a network of selected
international partners. The most popular brands are:
For Oral Use in Humans: sulide, nimalox, nilsid (Egypt), mesulid,
Drexel, Donulide, Aulin, Ainex, Heugan, Mesulid, Minapon, NeRelid, Edrigyl,
Enetra, Eskaflam, Nexen, Nidolon, Nilden (Mexico), Nimulid, Nimutab, Nise,
Nisulid, Nimed, Nimedex, Nimesil, Nodard Plus, Nicip (India), Novolid, Pain
Lock(VIP Pharma India ), Relmex (Ecuador), Scaflam, Scaflan, Sulidin®
(Turkey), Modact-IR (Pakistan).
For Veterinary Use: Sulidene and Zolan.
There are also many generic and copy-products by the brand names of Nidol,
Nimalox, Nimesil, Nimotas, Nimulid, Coxtral, Lusemin, Medicox, Nise, Nizer,
Sorini, Ventor, Vionim, Neolide, Willgo among others).
Why are Nimesulide Tablets or Nimesulide Drugs Used?
The main
purpose of using nimesulide are:
- To treat acute pain
- To theat osteoarthritis
- To treat primary dysmenorrhoea in adolescents and adults above 12
years old.
Working of Nimesulide
It acts by inhibiting the release of tumour
necrosis factor-alpha, acts as a competitive inhibitor of histamine release
and reduces superoxide anion formation
Nimesulide Dosage
Adults: 100 mg twice daily
Children: 5mg/kg of body weight in 2 or 3 divided doses.
Side Effects of Nimesulide Drugs
The drug has certain side effects,
that can affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the
side effects, that are often associated with the drug:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Pruritis
- Dizziness
- Headache
Women should use the drug with caution during lactation and it is
contraindicated during pregnancy.
Ban on Nimesulide Drugs
It is to be noted that nimesulide has been
drawn aside from the pharmaceitical market because of its hepatic effects
(risk of hepatatoxicity) on patients. The drug was already banned in over
170 countries worldwide including US, Britain, Canada, Sweden, Denmark,
Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Nimesulide causes serious side effects
including liver toxicity. In India this drug was banned beginning this year
2011.
Disclaimer: The above information is for general understanding
of the visitor. Please consult a registered medical practitioner before
taking the aforesaid medicine.