Nimesulide

Tablets Capsule Injection Birth Control Device Ointments Syrups

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.
Tablets Capsule Injection Birth Control Device Ointments Syrups