Algover

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Algover

Algover is a medicinal preparation whose active substance is Nimesulide, a widely used drug outside the United States. This section establishes its identity, composition, and general therapeutic purpose.


Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Nimesulide
Pharmacological Class Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Primary Actions Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic
Forms Tablets, granules for oral suspension, topical gel
Origin Synthetic (sulfonanilide derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Algover? (Definition and Classification)

Algover belongs to the class of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID), specifically characterized as a Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor. This classification targets inflammatory pathways and is utilized for managing acute symptomatic conditions. The active ingredient, Nimesulide, is a single, chemically distinct compound that features a sulfonanilide structure, setting it apart from NSAIDs based on carboxylic acid groups.

Algover: Composition and Available Forms

The medicine is a single-ingredient product, consisting solely of the active pharmaceutical ingredient Nimesulide alongside necessary inactive excipients. Nimesulide is entirely synthetic in origin, developed as a sulfonanilide derivative. The product is formulated for various routes of administration, including oral use as tablets, capsules, or granules for oral suspension. The granule form is a specific feature, often utilized for its ease of use and rapid dissolution. Algover is also formulated for topical application as a gel in certain regions.

General Purpose and Core Therapeutic Action

The general purpose of Algover is to provide simultaneous relief from discomfort, reduce inflammatory reactions, and decrease elevated body temperature. This action is rooted in its ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, the chemical mediators that regulate pain and inflammatory signaling. Consequently, Algover exhibits core analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects, offering general utility in managing acute, symptomatic physical distress.

Regulatory References

  1. Nimesulide - referral | European Medicines Agency (EMA)

What side effects are possible with Algover?

Algover: Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Understanding the potential side effects and safety profile of any medication, including Algover, is essential for its responsible use. The formal safety profile of a drug is developed through clinical trials and ongoing post-market surveillance, where adverse reactions are systematically collected and classified by frequency and severity.

Adverse Reactions and System-Organ Classification

Adverse reactions associated with Algover are formally categorized using an internationally recognized system (MedDRA) and are generally grouped by the body system they affect. While the specific list of reactions and their official frequencies are documented in the product's regulatory labeling, the scope typically includes:

  • Common Reactions (Occurring in ge 1 in 100 people): [Specific common reactions would be listed here, e.g., Headache, mild nausea, dizziness].
  • Uncommon Reactions (Occurring in ge 1 in 1,000 people): [Specific uncommon reactions would be listed here, e.g., Skin rash, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress].

Serious and Clinically Significant Safety Concerns

The regulatory safety documentation emphasizes the occurrence of serious adverse reactions, which are defined as events that may be life-threatening, result in persistent or significant disability, or require hospitalization. For Algover, this may include risks of [Specific serious reactions would be listed here, e.g., Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) or hepatic impairment]. Any signs of such a reaction should be immediately addressed by a healthcare professional.

Safety Monitoring and Restrictions

Population-specific warnings are provided if Algover’s use poses particular risks in certain groups, such as children, the elderly, or patients with pre-existing conditions (e.g., impaired kidney or liver function). The official labeling for Algover includes specific safety restrictions and precautions. For example, [A specific safety caution would be included, e.g., Caution is advised in patients with a history of seizures]. Regulatory documents may also mandate specific monitoring (e.g., periodic laboratory testing) during treatment to detect potential safety issues early in their course. The benefit-risk profile is continually evaluated by regulatory bodies throughout the drug's lifecycle.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Algover (Nimesulide) overdose describes the potential for acute toxicity associated with excessive intake of systemic formulations. Clinical manifestations following overdose are generally consistent with acute Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) over-ingestion.

Overdose Manifestation Official Regulatory Statement
Common Clinical Signs Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, indigestion, lethargy, and drowsiness are noted presentations.
Severe Outcomes Rare but possible severe manifestations include gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma. Anaphylactoid reactions are also a documented severe outcome.

Immediate medical attention is mandated when any severe outcome is suspected, such as significant gastrointestinal bleeding or a notable alteration in consciousness. According to regulatory documentation, no specific antidote is known for Algover overdose. Management is therefore strictly confined to symptomatic and supportive care, a procedural approach that may include considering activated charcoal or gastric lavage within the appropriate clinical timeframe. This framework emphasizes continuous monitoring of the patient's clinical status following overexposure to manage potential escalation of symptoms.

Therapeutic Uses of Algover

What Algover Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The therapeutic use of Algover (Nimesulide) is relevant for managing symptoms associated with acute pain and primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain). This information aligns with the medication’s primary therapeutic domain and the categories of symptoms it may assist in relieving.


Key Therapeutic Applications

Algover is relevant in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, and may be applied in contexts where additional symptomatic support is needed. The medication is applied in addressing discomfort and inflammation related to painful episodic flare-ups of osteoarthritis, soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains, post-operative discomfort following minor procedures, and primary dysmenorrhoea. It is also relevant for easing symptom clusters that involve a combination of pain, inflammation, and fever, such as those related to the ear, nose, or throat.

“The medication is used for managing distressing symptoms during acute phases, which may assist patients in coping more steadily with difficult episodes.”

By addressing symptoms related to physical discomfort and heightened physiological activity, the medication contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Primary Symptom Focus
The medication is relevant for easing symptoms related to physical discomfort (acute pain), inflammatory or irritative states (localized inflammation), and systemic imbalance (fever).

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency's safety review

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Algover

Official regulatory documentation strictly defines the eligible population for Algover (Nimesulide), with use limited to a second-line treatment for a maximum of 15 days.


Category Official Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults (18 years and older); Adolescents (12 to 18 years).
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Children under 12 years. Patients with Hepatic Impairment (all degrees) or Severe Renal Impairment (Creatinine clearance < 30 mL/ min). Patients with Active Ulcers or a history of GI Bleeding or Hepatotoxic Reactions to the drug. Severe Heart Failure. Pregnancy (third trimester) and Breastfeeding (Lactation).
Eligibility-Related Restrictions Use requires caution in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment, pre-existing cardiac impairment, or history of gastrointestinal disorders. Not recommended during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, or for women attempting to conceive.

Official regulatory bodies rigorously define who can and cannot use this medicine by establishing absolute contraindications based on age, organ function, and pre-existing clinical conditions. For eligible individuals (adolescents and adults), use is strictly restricted to a short-term, second-line treatment course, explicitly detailing the conditional nature of the medicine's eligibility profile.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Algover’s interaction profile focuses on pharmacokinetic changes and additive pharmacodynamic risks, as detailed in regulatory labeling. The medicine is documented as an inhibitor of the CYP2C9 enzyme, a metabolic pathway that can lead to increased plasma concentrations of other medicines processed by this enzyme.

Official restrictions establish combinations that are contraindicated or must be avoided. The concurrent use of Algover with other hepatotoxic drugs or with alcohol abuse is strictly contraindicated due to an increased risk of hepatic reactions. Use is also contraindicated in patients with severe coagulation disorders. The simultaneous administration of Algover with other NSAIDs is not recommended because of an increased risk of adverse effects.

Pharmacodynamic interactions result in constraints when co-administering certain drug classes. Algover officially enhances the effects of anticoagulant agents, which increases the risk of bleeding. Co-administration with diuretics may reduce their efficacy and necessitates caution, especially in patients with existing renal or cardiac impairment, due to a risk of kidney function deterioration.

The regulatory profile notes that Algover can increase the serum levels of Lithium and Methotrexate. For the latter, caution is required if the medicines are administered less than 24 hours apart. Close monitoring of blood levels is necessary when Algover is taken with these exposure-altering substances.

Mechanism of Action

The pharmacodynamic action of Algover's active ingredient, Nimesulide, is defined by its influence on core regulatory systems at the molecular and cellular levels. The primary mechanistic domain involves the active component acting as a selective inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2) enzyme, which catalyzes the synthesis of the lipid mediator Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2). By preferentially restricting COX-2 activity, the mechanism reduces PGE2-mediated signaling that influences the central thermal regulatory setpoint, while reducing the sensitization of peripheral nociceptors. The secondary mechanistic domain engages pathways independent of COX-2 inhibition through the modulation of enzymes like Myeloperoxidase (MPO) found in activated leukocytes. This action restricts the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, which alters the dynamics of oxidative stress and influences inflammatory signaling by dampening localized cellular activity at the site of tissue involvement.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to use Algover — Administration Guidelines

Algover (Nimesulide) is used according to strict, short-term regimens defined for various markets.


Administration Scope

Field Instruction
Route of administration Oral (tablets, capsules, granules for suspension), Topical (gel), and Rectal (suppositories in specific markets).
Dosing schedule (Adult Systemic) 100 mg per unit dose.
Timing in relation to meals (Systemic) Oral forms must be taken after meals (post-prandially).
Preparation requirements Granules must be reconstituted into a solution for oral use.
Age-group administration rules No dosage adjustment is required for adolescents (12–18 years) or older adults.
Missed-dose rules If a dose is missed, it should be skipped if the next dose is due soon, and the standard schedule resumed; a double dose must never be taken.
Special procedural conditions The medicine must be used at the minimum effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Field Classification
Administration method type Oral and Topical (systemic and local application).
Frequency pattern Systemic: Twice daily (b.i.d.). Topical: 2–3 times daily.
Regulatory basis Standard pharmaceutical specifications.
Use-context constraints Strict acute-use, short-term duration constraint.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Standard Step Sequence:

  • Initiate treatment at the minimum effective 100 mg dose.
  • Take the systemic dose orally, twice daily, after a meal.
  • Utilize the medicine for the shortest duration possible to manage acute symptoms.
  • Discontinue use upon reaching the maximum duration limit of 15 days for the systemic treatment course.

Connection to the Overall Use Protocol

These instructions mandate a structured approach defined by a standard 100 mg twice-daily dose taken after food. This administration protocol is strictly time-limited to a maximum of 15 days, establishing the acute-use procedural framework for systemic use.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence: Overview of Studies for Algover (Nimesulide)

This overview describes the types of research that have been conducted on Algover, what the studies focused on measuring, and what scientific evidence is still needed, according to official regulatory and scientific sources. The findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes.

Evidence for Use in Acute Pain

Algover was evaluated in research exploring acute physical discomfort. The evidence base primarily involves numerous short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. These studies were applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms, examining outcomes related to physical discomfort in adults.

Research highlights changes measured during the study period when Algover was observed against an inactive control (placebo), and research also examined active comparator drugs. Research explored patterns related to the time frame over which measured pain scores evolved in the observed populations. However, follow-up durations were limited, typically lasting 15 days or less. Therefore, there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Evidence for Use in Primary Dysmenorrhoea

For primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain), research also focused on short-term clinical trials that concentrated on outcomes describing episodic or acute changes. These studies were relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns linked to inflammatory or irritative states during the menstrual cycle. Studies explored changes in patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Findings describe patterns observed in these studies only during the acute phase of heightened symptom activity.

Study Scope for Painful Osteoarthritis Flare-ups

Regulatory assessments now restrict the scope of evidence to short-term treatment for acute, painful episodes only. The current evidence focuses on studies monitoring outcomes related to daily functioning and activity level. The major limitation is that the results apply only to the limited short duration of use, which is typically restricted to 15 days in the research setting. Given that osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, the evidence base does not fully establish the medicine's role in long-term disease management.

Evidence Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

The research contributes to the broader evidence landscape but highlights several areas of uncertainty. Comparative evidence is lacking for certain groups, and systemic Algover was not studied for use in children under 12 years of age. Evidence quality varies across studies, and while short-term patterns were observed, certainty remains low regarding the full range of effects outside of the strictly controlled trial settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Algover (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Algover typically start to work?

According to regulatory information, Algover is noted for its relatively rapid onset of action. Patients may begin to observe a measurable reduction in pain and inflammation within about 15 to 30 minutes after taking the oral dose. Official documents describe a rapid onset, which is consistent with its authorized use for acute symptoms.

Q: How long do the effects of Algover last?

Pharmacokinetic information detailed in regulatory texts indicates that the therapeutic effects of the medicine are generally sustained over a period of approximately 12 hours. This duration is reflected in the standard administration frequency defined in the prescribing information.

Q: Does Algover cause weight gain or weight loss?

While regulatory documents catalog various effects on metabolism and nutrition, weight changes are not consistently listed among the most common adverse reactions reported in official documents. Individual responses to medication may vary.

Q: Can Algover affect my sleep schedule?

Official product information indicates that Algover can cause side effects related to the nervous system, such as somnolence (drowsiness) and, less frequently, insomnia (trouble sleeping). These potential effects are listed under nervous system disorders in official product information.

Q: Does Algover interact with commonly used over-the-counter medicines?

Regulatory documents state that taking Algover concurrently with other Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is generally not recommended. This caution also extends to certain common over-the-counter medicines like acetylsalicylic acid or paracetamol (acetaminophen). Due to the potential for an increased risk of adverse effects, co-administration with these substances is generally not recommended in official documents.

Q: Is Algover considered a Schedule V controlled substance?

Algover, whose active ingredient is Nimesulide, is classified pharmacologically as a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Official international regulatory bodies have not designated this medicine as a controlled substance.

Q: What is the difference between Algover and similar prescription drugs like [Name X]?

According to its official classification, Algover is a unique type of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) because it is a selective inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2) enzyme. This specific mechanism is generally noted as the key pharmacological distinction that sets it apart from non-selective NSAIDs.

Q: Does taking Algover cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms?

Regulatory product information does not indicate that Algover (Nimesulide) is associated with the development of drug dependence. Similarly, no specific withdrawal symptoms have been noted upon the discontinuation of treatment in official documents.

Q: Where can I find the official prescribing information for Algover?

The complete, official prescribing information for Algover is contained within the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or the equivalent Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). These authoritative documents are published and maintained by the national regulatory authority in the region where the medicine is approved.

Q: Has Algover been recalled or is it currently under review?

Regulatory history indicates that Algover (Nimesulide) has been withdrawn from circulation in certain countries. However, it remains approved and available in other regions, where its use is restricted to a short-term, second-line treatment. The safety profile of the medicine is subject to continuous monitoring by regulatory authorities globally.

Q: Can Algover be crushed, split, or chewed?

Official administration guidelines for tablets and capsules typically recommend swallowing the dosage form whole, unless the tablet is scored or the product is supplied as granules for reconstitution. Manipulating the tablet (crushing, splitting, or chewing) is generally not recommended.

Q: Does Algover interact with herbal supplements like St. John's Wort?

Official documents do not typically contain specific interaction data for every single herbal supplement. However, any agent that affects the body's drug-processing enzymes, such as St. John’s Wort, is noted as requiring caution in official warnings.

Q: Is Algover available as a generic medicine?

Yes. The active component of Algover, Nimesulide, is widely available as a generic medicine in many countries worldwide. This means that versions are often marketed under the name of the active ingredient, in addition to the various brand-name products.

Q: What does 'contraindicated' mean in the context of Algover?

When a medicine is described as 'contraindicated' for a patient, it means that the patient must not use the medicine under any circumstances. Official regulatory documents list conditions, such as severe kidney or liver impairment, where the determined risk of using Algover outweighs any potential benefit.

Q: Are there special warnings about driving or operating machinery while on Algover?

Official documents advise caution with activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, if side effects like dizziness or somnolence (drowsiness) occur. This is noted in product labeling due to the potential influence of these reported effects.

Q: Can taking Algover affect the results of lab tests?

Official warnings state that Algover can cause temporary changes to certain lab test results, such as elevated liver enzymes. This is often noted as a reason why blood tests may be required during the use of this medication.

Q: What are the symptoms of an overdose of Algover?

According to regulatory information, potential symptoms of an overdose of Algover may include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. If an overdose is suspected, official guidance indicates that specialized medical attention is required immediately.

Q: Can Algover affect mental focus or clarity?

Adverse effects like dizziness and somnolence (drowsiness), as listed in official labeling, may temporarily influence a person's mental focus and clarity. This is noted in the product information under nervous system disorders.

Q: Do I need a new prescription every time I refill Algover?

Yes. Algover is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM) by regulatory authorities in the regions where it is approved. This means that a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional is required for every dispensing or refill of the medicine.

Q: What happens when I stop taking Algover?

When Algover treatment is completed, its therapeutic effects will subside as the medicine is cleared from the body. For cases where liver enzyme elevation has occurred, official documents indicate that most instances of related liver injury resolve after the discontinuation of therapy.

Q: Does Algover have a boxed warning?

In certain markets, regulatory bodies have determined that a 'boxed warning' is necessary for Algover. This type of prominent warning is used to highlight the serious potential risk of liver toxicity associated with the use of the medicine.

How should Algover be stored and disposed of?

Storage Conditions

Algover (Nimesulide) must be stored at room temperature, typically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F), with some regulatory documents specifying temperatures not exceeding 30 C (86 F). The product must be kept in a cool, dry place and protected from direct sunlight and heat to maintain its stability.

Packaging and Child Safety

The medication should be kept in its original containers with the closure tightly closed. For safety, the regulatory labeling mandates that Algover be stored out of the sight and reach of children and recommends that the product be stored locked up.

Disposal Instructions

Disposal must adhere to local regulations and official guidance. The preferred method for discarding unused or expired Algover is through a drug take-back program or an approved waste disposal plant. The product should not be flushed down the toilet or poured into a drain unless specifically instructed by the labeling, and care must be taken to avoid release to the environment.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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