Indications
Nimesulide is indicated in acute pain; extra-articular disorders; osteoarthritis; post-op pain; primary dysmenorrhoea.
Pharmacology
Nimesulide is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and analgesic properties. It inhibits prostaglandin synthetase/cyclooxygenase, which limits prostaglandin production. Its cyclooxygenase inhibiting potency is intermediate, but is relatively selective for the cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) thus the potential for gastric injury and intolerance is less. It is also a free radical scavenger, and helps protect against the tissue damage that occurs during inflammation.
Dosage And Administration
100 mg twice daily. Should be taken with food. Take after meals.
Interaction
Additive hepatotoxic effects with known hepatotoxins: anti-convulsants (e.g. valproic acid), anti-fungals (e.g. ketoconazole), anti-tuberculous drugs (e.g. isoniazid), tacrine, pemoline, amiodarone, methotrexate, methyldopa, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. May decrease the oral bioavailability of furosemide and the natriuretic and diuretic response to furosemide. Increased risks of GI and hepatic adverse effects with other NSAIDs, including aspirin. May increase anti-coagulant effect of warfarin. Potentiates the action of phenytoin. May be displaced from binding sites with fenofibrate, salicylic acid, and tolbutamide. Interactions between NSAIDs and lithium, probenecid and ciclosporin, have been documented.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity; GI bleeding, active peptic ulcer disease; severe renal and heart failure; hepatic impairment or known liver disease; coagulation disorders; pregnancy; children <12 yr.
Side Effects
Epigastric discomfort, heartburn or abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; skin rash, pruritus, oedema, headache, dizziness, drowsiness; hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. bronchospasm, rhinitis, angioedema urticaria); GI haemorrhage/perforation; bullous/erosive stomatitis, purpura, thrombocytopenia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, haematuria, oliguria, and renal failure; increases in liver enzymes.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Category not classified
Precautions And Warnings
History of GI tract disease, infections, oedema, hypertension, elderly, lactation.
Overdose Effects
Epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, lethargy, GI haemorrhage, seizures, hypertension, apnoea, coma, anaphylactic reactions and renal failure. Treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Storage Conditions
Protect from heat and humidity; store at <25°C.