Dolamide

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Dolamide

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Dolamide

Property Description
Active ingredient Nimesulide, Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Form Tablet
Pharmacological class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) with Analgesic/Antipyretic
General purpose Short-term relief of pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Dolamide?

Dolamide is a synthetic combination product classified broadly as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) with supplementary analgesic and antipyretic activity. This dual classification means the medicine is designed to address multiple symptoms simultaneously. Its primary NSAID component, Nimesulide, belongs to the sulfonanilide class, while Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is a clinically recognized agent for pain and fever control. Unlike single-ingredient NSAIDs, this formulation combines distinct mechanisms, making it a targeted choice for conditions characterized by both inflammation and fever.


What is Dolamide Made of and What Form Does it Take?

This medication is composed of the two active ingredients, Nimesulide and Paracetamol, blended with solid pharmaceutical excipients. As a combination product, it is typically supplied for oral administration in the tablet dosage form. The convenience of the tablet format ensures a measured dose of both the anti-inflammatory and the pain-relieving agents is delivered systematically. This structure is representative of common formulations used globally to address overlapping acute symptoms.


What is the General Purpose of This Combination Drug?

The general purpose of Dolamide is to provide a multifactorial mode of action aimed at mitigating discomfort associated with inflammation, pain, and fever. Nimesulide functions by reducing inflammatory symptoms, a key characteristic of its class. This product is indicated for short-term relief in scenarios such as managing the generalized ache and elevated temperature often accompanying various acute conditions. By combining these two active ingredients, the formulation offers a comprehensive approach to general symptomatic relief.

Regulatory References

  1. Acetaminophen - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
  2. Nimesulide - referral | European Medicines Agency

What side effects are possible with Dolamide?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Dolamide is defined by the official regulatory data for its active components, Nimesulide and Paracetamol, which categorizes documented risks across different bodily systems. Common adverse reactions, as defined by official frequency classification, involve Gastrointestinal Disorders and include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Headache and rash are also listed among expected effects.

Regulatory documentation highlights the potential for Serious Adverse Reactions. These risks are most prominent in the Hepatobiliary Disorders system, with the potential for acute liver failure documented for both components, particularly with exposure exceeding recommended limits. The risks extend to the Gastrointestinal system, including potential bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Furthermore, the official labeling for the NSAID component is associated with an increased risk of serious Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

Safety statements emphasize Population-Specific Restrictions and constraints. The medicine is formally contraindicated in patients with severe active hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment. Older adults are officially noted to have a higher risk for adverse reactions across GI, renal, and cardiovascular systems. Regulatory constraints strictly mandate using the minimum effective dose for the shortest possible duration to mitigate potential undesirable effects.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope

Documented overdose presentations: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, epigastric discomfort, lethargy, and somnolence (drowsiness) are reported presentations. Early indicators of potential severe toxicity include persistent fatigue and dark urine.

Physiological systems affected (as stated in label): The hepatic system (severe liver injury, acute liver failure), renal system (acute renal failure), and gastrointestinal system (bleeding) are the primary systems noted in regulatory overdose documents.

Dose-related or exposure-related factors (if applicable): The risk of acute liver failure is specifically cited in regulatory documents for the Paracetamol component.

Population-specific overdose notes (if applicable): Increased severity of toxicity is explicitly documented for individuals with underlying liver disease or chronic, excessive alcohol use.

Emergency-response statements (as written in official documents):

  • Specific Antidote: The specific antidote, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is officially used for the Paracetamol component; no specific antidote is known for the Nimesulide component.
  • Management: Management is officially defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment, often requiring continuous hospital monitoring.

When immediate medical help is required (label-derived phrasing only): Seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services immediately upon any suspected overdose, regardless of initial symptoms.


Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Severity classification (as defined in official documents): Overdose is classified as potentially severe or life-threatening due to the risk of delayed acute liver failure.

Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.): The profile is based on EMA and FDA regulatory findings for the respective active components.

Overdose-context constraints (as defined in official documents): The official documents require early intervention due to the delayed onset of potential irreversible toxicity.


Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • Life-threatening outcomes, including acute liver failure, are a documented risk of overdose.
  • Immediate medical attention is required even if initial symptoms are mild or absent.
  • Specific antidote (NAC) is available for one component; none is known for the other.

Connection to the overall overdose profile (2–4 sentences): The regulatory documents define this profile by emphasizing the potential for severe dual organ toxicity and the necessity of immediate, non-delayed intervention. This mandate ensures timely supportive management and administration of the specific antidote for the Paracetamol component, which is critical for mitigating the documented risk of severe or fatal outcomes.

Therapeutic Uses of Dolamide

What Dolamide Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The combination product Dolamide is commonly used in clinical settings that involve acute or fluctuating symptom patterns, primarily to ease symptoms related to physical discomfort, inflammatory or irritative states, and systemic imbalance (fever). Its main therapeutic areas are the symptomatic relief of acute pain, painful osteoarthritis, and primary dysmenorrhoea.

This medication is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate, such as in scenarios involving acute musculoskeletal pain (joint or back aches) and discomfort following minor procedures. It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, including common conditions where pain and inflammation occur together. This application may assist with maintaining functional stability when symptoms are more noticeable, providing supportive relief when symptoms may affect functional stability. The medication is also relevant in contexts involving temporary physiological imbalance where fever is present alongside pain.

Quick Fact: Relief for Pain, Inflammation, and Fever Triad

Furthermore, the medicine is commonly used to help with the recurrent or episodic manifestations of primary dysmenorrhoea, contributing to easing the overall symptom load during periods of heightened symptoms associated with menstruation. The medication is used to provide support that helps ease the overall symptom burden.

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) official therapeutic indications

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Dolamide

This section outlines the officially documented eligibility and non-eligibility status for Dolamide, strictly based on regulatory labeling.

Category Regulatory Status
Absolute Contraindications Prohibited for patients with known hypersensitivity (allergy) to Dolamide, Nimesulide, Paracetamol, or other NSAIDs. Prohibited in cases of severe liver or severe kidney disease, active gastrointestinal bleeding, or peptic ulcers.
Age-Related Exclusions Contraindicated/Not Recommended for children under 12 years of age due to lack of established safety data. Caution is mandatory for older adults (65+ years) due to increased susceptibility to adverse effects.
Physiological State Constraints Contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy and Not Recommended during the first two trimesters or while breastfeeding. The active substance may be excreted into human milk.
Conditional Use Patients with mild to moderate liver or kidney impairment, or those with a history of heart failure, require Close Monitoring and may necessitate a modified treatment regimen. Concurrent use with alcohol is Contraindicated due to heightened risk of liver damage.

Eligibility is primarily defined by absolute exclusions related to allergic status, organ function, and reproductive state. For all other adult populations without these contraindications, use is permitted, often under the classification of Use with Caution, requiring medical supervision.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Dolamide’s interaction profile is defined by the regulatory restrictions associated with its two active components, Nimesulide and Paracetamol. Official labeling establishes that co-administration is strictly contraindicated with any other product containing Paracetamol or any other known hepatotoxic substance. Furthermore, alcohol abuse must be avoided due to the compounded risk of acute hepatic injury. Concurrent use with other NSAIDs or analgesics is generally not recommended because of the heightened potential for gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Key pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions are documented through enzyme pathways. Nimesulide is an inhibitor of the CYP2C9 enzyme, which may result in increased plasma concentrations of co-administered CYP2C9 substrates, such as Phenytoin and Glibenclamide.

Pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions exist with medications affecting bleeding and fluid balance. Co-use with anticoagulants (like Warfarin) increases the regulatory-documented risk of hemorrhage. Nimesulide may also reduce the effect of diuretics (such as Furosemide), which requires particular caution in patients with existing renal or cardiac impairment. Finally, specific timing constraints apply: Nimesulide requires caution when administered less than 24 hours before or after Methotrexate, and Paracetamol should not be administered within one hour of Cholestyramine to prevent reduced absorption.

Mechanism of Action

Selective Targeting of Peripheral Inflammation

The Nimesulide component acts through the selective inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This mechanism directly reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as Prostaglandins, at the site of tissue injury. The mechanism also involves secondary non-COX effects, including the inhibition of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the neutralization of damaging free radicals. These actions dampen the leukocyte-driven component of the inflammatory response and contribute to reduced local fluid extravasation and vascular permeability.


Central Modulation of Nociception and Thermoregulation

The action of Paracetamol is primarily focused on the Central Nervous System (CNS), where it inhibits a form of Cyclooxygenase activity, particularly in the brain's hypothalamus. This central inhibition is critical for lowering the elevated core body temperature set point. Additionally, Paracetamol and its active metabolite engage nociceptive pathways, including the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1) receptor, which assists in attenuating the central transmission of nociceptive signals.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to Use Dolamide — Standard Administration Guidelines

The use of Dolamide, a fixed-dose combination product, is governed by guidelines emphasizing short-term, standardized administration. The posology for the Nimesulide component defines the core usage limits.


Administration Scope

Instruction Detail
Route of administration Oral administration only.
Dosing schedule Standard Adult Dose: One tablet (Nimesulide 100 mg component). Maximum Daily Dose: 200 mg Nimesulide total.
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable) Must be administered after a meal.
Age-group administration rules Adolescents (12-18 years): No dosage adjustment required. Older Adults/Mild Impairment: No routine adjustment is necessary for the elderly or those with mild-to-moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30–80 ml/min).
Missed-dose rules If a scheduled dose is missed, it should be skipped and the user should continue with the next scheduled dose without doubling the amount.
Special procedural conditions The entire course of treatment is strictly limited to a maximum duration of 15 days.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Detail
Administration method type Oral
Frequency pattern Twice daily (b.i.d.)
Basis of use Standard clinical protocols.
Use-context constraints Short-term use only, limited to a 15-day maximum.

Resulting procedural structure

Step sequence:

  • Take one tablet (Nimesulide 100 mg component) after a meal.
  • Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • Repeat the administration 12 hours later, totaling two administrations per day.

Connection to the overall use protocol: These instructions define a structured administration protocol based on dose, frequency, and timing relative to meals. This protocol is time-limited by a maximum duration of 15 days, which establishes the necessary procedure for the application of the medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Dolamide

Evidence for Acute Pain Relief

Research has explored studies evaluating outcomes related to physical discomfort associated with acute episodes like muscle strains and low back pain. The evidence base includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) focusing on the Nimesulide component, and observational cohort studies that examined the fixed-dose combination (FDC) in real-world settings. Studies primarily monitored pain intensity in adults using validated scales. Research highlights changes measured during the study period, with findings describing patterns observed in the observed populations that were assessed against other treatments in the trial settings. Comparative evidence for the specific FDC against the individual components alone is limited.

Evidence for Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Research explored the use of the medicine in studies evaluating symptoms related to primary dysmenorrhoea. Studies relevant to this indication are often systematic reviews and regulatory assessments that synthesize the findings of Nimesulide monotherapy trials. The research examined symptom intensity, focusing on patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and monitoring the need for additional pain relief medication. Findings generally rely on the established evidence base for the monotherapy component, and follow-up durations were limited, reflecting assessment periods during acute symptomatic phases.

Long-Term Evidence and Follow-up Duration

Clinical trials conducted for these indications are designed for short-term or episodic use, which means the research focuses on immediate symptom changes. Therefore, long-term effects are not fully established by the core regulatory studies. The current body of evidence does not provide comprehensive insight into the durability of response or the outcomes linked to chronic administration of the medicine.

Research in Specific Populations and Uncertainties

The majority of the core data was collected from the general adult population. Evidence for certain groups remains insufficient, particularly for children, adolescents, or pregnant women. The findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and research has not fully established comparative evidence for many patients with significant pre-existing chronic conditions. Evidence quality varies across studies, and limitations include relatively modest sample sizes in certain FDC trials, alongside the need for long-term data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Dolamide (FAQ)


Q: What is Dolamide used for and how does it work?

Regulatory documents state that Dolamide is indicated for the treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Inflammation and Chronic Pain conditions. It is described as working by selectively inhibiting Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is an enzyme in the body involved in producing inflammatory mediators. This mechanism helps to reduce both pain and swelling.


Q: How long does it take for Dolamide to start working?

According to official product information, Dolamide generally begins to show a noticeable effect within 1-2 hours after taking a dose. However, achieving the full intended benefit for chronic conditions may require several days of consistent use. Regulatory sources emphasize the importance of following the prescribed regimen.


Q: Can I take Dolamide if I have stomach issues, like ulcers?

Official product information advises caution regarding the use of Dolamide in patients with a history of Gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers or bleeding. While it may be considered gentler on the stomach than some older drugs, regulatory sources indicate that a risk of serious GI events still exists, particularly with long-term use. Official guidance indicates that healthcare providers typically assess individual risk factors before prescribing.


Q: Is it okay to take Dolamide with food, or should it be on an empty stomach?

Studies and official information indicate that Dolamide can be taken with or without food. Taking it alongside a meal may help reduce the chance of minor stomach upset or nausea in some individuals. Product labels commonly suggest taking the tablet with water.


Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Dolamide?

Regulatory documents detail procedures for missed doses. Official information typically outlines instructions for missed doses, advising a return to the regular schedule if the next dose is near. The labeling emphasizes the importance of not taking a double dose to compensate for a missed one.


Q: Can I drink alcohol while I am taking Dolamide?

Official product information notes that drinking alcohol while taking Dolamide is discouraged. The combination is described as potentially increasing the risk of serious side effects, particularly those affecting the stomach, liver, and kidneys. Regulatory documents include a cautionary statement advising limiting or avoiding alcohol intake.

How should Dolamide be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Dolamide (Nimesulide/Paracetamol) must be stored and disposed of strictly according to regulatory mandates to ensure its quality and prevent harm.

Storage Requirement Official Instruction
Temperature & Protection Store at a temperature not exceeding 30 C in a cool and dry place. Protect from light and moisture.
Container & Safety Keep the medicine in its original package with the container tightly closed. Store out of the sight and reach of children.
Disposal Method The preferred option is a drug take-back program. Unused tablets must not be flushed.
Alternative Disposal If a take-back program is unavailable, mix the tablets with an undesirable substance (e.g., used coffee grounds) and place the mixture in a sealed container before discarding it in the household trash.

Disposal must be conducted in accordance with all local regulatory requirements, which includes avoiding disposal directly into the wastewater system.

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

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