Nimesulide Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Nimesulide Tablet is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. It mainly works on COX-2 and is commonly used for menstrual cramps, acute pain, joint problems such as arthritis, and pain following surgery or dental work. Treatment should be kept short, with a maximum duration of 15 days, and it should not be used in children under 12 years of age due to the risk of liver damage.

What is Nimesulide Tablet

Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects and mainly works on COX-2. It is used to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Nimesulide Tablet uses

• Relieves mild to moderate pain from menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhoea)
• Relieves acute (short-term) pain
• Reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation from joint problems such as arthritis
• Eases pain from surgery, dental pain, and mild sprains and strains
• Relieves ear, nose, and throat pain
• Can help reduce fever along with treating pain and inflammation

Benefits of Nimesulide Tablet

• Relieves pain and inflammation, often within a short time of taking it
• At least as effective as other NSAID pain relievers for short-term pain

How Nimesulide Tablet works

Nimesulide lowers the number of pain signals sent to the brain and stops the body from making prostaglandins, which are substances that carry pain and heat signals to the brain.

Nimesulide Tablet dosage

Take your tablet or capsule with water and swallow it whole. Never eat, break, or crush it. If the tablet is mouth-dissolving, place it on your tongue and let it dissolve fully in your mouth before swallowing. Before using a dispersible pill, read the label. Dissolve the pill in the required amount of water and drink the contents. Shake the suspension bottle carefully before using it, and take it by mouth using the measuring cup or dropper included in the package.

Nimesulide can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce the risk of stomach upset. Nimesulide should not be used in children under 12, as it carries a serious risk of liver damage. Treatment should be kept short, with a maximum treatment duration of 15 days, to reduce the risk of liver problems.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Syrup
• Capsule
• Tablet DT
• Tablet MD
• Injectable
• Oral drops
• Solution
• Gel
• Suppository
• Powder or granules for oral suspension

Side effects of Nimesulide Tablet

Common

• Acid or sour stomach
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain and cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion

Serious

• Liver damage or increased liver enzymes
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Kidney problems
• Skin infection
• Blood clotting problems

Warnings and precautions

• Nimesulide is not advised during pregnancy.
• Nimesulide is not advised for nursing mothers.
• Long-term use may cause kidney problems. The kidney safety of nimesulide is considered comparable to other NSAIDs.
• Long-term use may harm the liver, and nimesulide carries an increased risk of liver toxicity compared with other anti-inflammatory treatments. Children under 12 should not use it because of a serious risk of liver damage.
• Nimesulide is not advised if you have alcoholism.
• Nimesulide may cause lightheadedness or eyesight problems, so avoid driving or operating machinery after taking it.
• Tell your doctor before taking Nimesulide if you have asthma, recent heart bypass surgery, heart disease, an active stomach ulcer, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, or a history of medication allergy.
• Children under 12 should not use Nimesulide because it carries a serious risk of liver damage.
• Only stop using this medication after talking to your doctor, and report any adverse effects to your doctor.
• Nimesulide should be used only as a second choice, and only for the treatment of acute pain or period pains. It should no longer be used to treat painful osteoarthritis.
• Tell your doctor before using Nimesulide if you have any drug allergies, as the product may contain inactive substances that cause allergic reactions.

Storage

• Store the medication at room temperature, between 20 and 25C (68 and 77F).
• Keep this medication in a cool, dry environment and in the original box or container until it is time to take it.
• Keep this medicine out of the reach and sight of children.

When to see a doctor

• If you notice any symptoms while taking Nimesulide, speak with your doctor immediately, and get quick medical attention if you have any severe side effects.
• If you take more Nimesulide than recommended, it may be a medical emergency. Contact your doctor or nearest hospital right away.

Alternatives

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Diclofenac
• Aceclofenac
• Meloxicam
• Celecoxib
• Etoricoxib