Nimesulide
About Nimesulide
Nimesulide belongs to a class of painkillers called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and dysmenorrhea (painful periods or menstrual cramps). Besides this, it is also used to treat dental pain, which can occur due to damage to the tooth nerve, infection, decay, extraction, or injury.
Nimesulide contains Nimesulide which works by blocking the effect of a chemical known as prostaglandin responsible for inducing pain and inflammation in the body.
Take Nimesulide as prescribed. Like all medicines, Nimesulide may cause common side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, changes in liver enzymes, and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not necessitate medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
Do not take Nimesulide if you are allergic to any of its components. It is not recommended for use in children, people with liver disease, heart disease, and gastric ulcers/bleeding problems. Nimesulide may affect fertility and can pass in milk. The use of Nimesulide should be avoided in pregnant and nursing mothers. Inform your doctor if you have heart problems as it may increase the risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Uses of Nimesulide
Medicinal Benefits
Nimesulide is composed of nimesulide, primarily used to treat mild to moderate pain. Nimesulide works by blocking the effect of a chemical known as prostaglandin, responsible for inducing pain and inflammation in the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Nimesulide
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in hepatic enzymes
Drug Warnings
Please inform your doctor before starting Nimesulide if you have an active stomach ulcer, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, asthma, recent by-pass heart surgery, heart disease, severe renal/hepatic impairment, or a history of allergy to any painkillers. Nimesulide is not recommended in case of alcoholism, drug addiction, coagulation problems, in children, pregnancy, and breastfeeding mothers.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interaction: Nimesulide may interact with respiratory medicines (theophylline), blood thinners (warfarin), antidiabetics (insulin), anti-epileptics (phenytoin), anti-cancer agents (methotrexate), immune system affecting medicines (cyclosporine), antacids, and anti-HIV (didanosine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Do not take it with dairy products like milk, yoghurt or calcium-fortified juices.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Nimesulide is not recommended for people with bleeding disorders, like haemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or low blood platelets.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionTaking Nimesulide with alcohol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. So, avoid or limit the intake of alcoholic beverages with Nimesulide.
Pregnancy
unsafeUse of Nimesulide during pregnancy is not recommended, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
unsafeUse of Nimesulide during breastfeeding is not recommended as it may pass through the milk and harm the baby.
Driving
cautionNimesulide may cause dizziness, sleepiness, and drowsiness. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
unsafeNimesulide can cause hepatotoxicity (liver damage). So, it is not recommended in people with liver disease/impairment.
Kidney
cautionNimesulide to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeNimesulide is contraindicated in children below 12 years of age. It may cause kidney problems in children and adolescents who are dehydrated.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids such as soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea help in reducing inflammation.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: Pain can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) in nature. Acute pain is for a short time caused by damage to the tissues of the muscle, bone, or organs. Chronic pain lasts for longer duration; it is caused due to pathologies like nerve damage, osteoarthritis, and dental pain due to damage to the tooth nerve, infection, decay, extraction, or injury.
FAQs
Nimesulide works by blocking the effect of a chemical known as prostaglandin, responsible for inducing pain and inflammation in the body.
Nimesulide may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, please rest and avoid driving as it can be harmful.
No, Nimesulide is not indicated for stomach pain. If you have stomach pain post-ingestion, it may be a sign of a stomach ulcer or gastric bleeding. Do not take Nimesulide in this condition. It is better to inform your doctor in case of stomach pain post-ingestion of this medication.
No, Nimesulide should not be taken as a long-term medication as it may lead to stomach ulcers/bleeding and kidney problems. Take Nimesulide in doses and duration mentioned by your doctor.
Yes, Nimesulide should preferably be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach. If taken on an empty stomach, it may cause stomach irritation and upset stomach.
