Magenol

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

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 Magenol

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Nimesulide
Form Tablets or Granules for oral suspension
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Common use Reduction of pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Magenol?

The medicine known by the proprietary name Magenol is a pharmaceutical preparation whose active ingredient is Nimesulide, a synthetic compound classified as a modern Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This classification signifies its foundational role as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic agent, designed to alleviate general physical discomfort. Nimesulide belongs to the sulfonanilide chemical class, a differentiation that is pharmacologically recognized for its specific enzymatic interaction. The medicine is characterized as a single product intended for oral administration, utilizing tablets or granules for oral suspension as its primary dosage form(s).

The Core Benefit of Nimesulide

The fundamental benefit of Nimesulide is its established ability to modulate the processes responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. This is achieved through its mechanism of effect as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, which limits the production of localized inflammatory substances known as prostaglandins. Nimesulide acts predominantly to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties. This selective action means the medicine is clinically recognized for assisting patients in managing acute pain associated with temporary inflammatory conditions. By inhibiting the generation of these mediators, the compound effectively assists in reducing associated swelling, tenderness, and elevated body temperature.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Essential Medicines List

What side effects are possible with Magenol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Magenol, whose active ingredient is Nimesulide, is structured according to official regulatory classifications that group adverse effects by frequency and the body system affected. These classifications are defined in government regulatory documents like the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).


Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

The most Common effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) are typically related to the gastrointestinal system, including nausea and diarrhoea, alongside documented elevations in liver enzyme levels.

  • Uncommon reactions may involve the gastrointestinal system (e.g., vomiting, gastritis), hypertension, or central nervous system effects such as dizziness.
  • Rare reactions, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people, include headache, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and anaemia.
  • Very Rare reactions, affecting fewer than 1 in 10,000 people, include severe outcomes such as acute liver failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe skin reaction), and renal failure.

Serious Safety Considerations and Constraints

The regulatory profile highlights the potential for serious events across certain organ systems. This includes the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, or perforation, and serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

Hepatic injury, including severe cases, has been reported following short exposure to the drug. Consequently, the medicine is contraindicated (should not be used) in patients with severe hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min), or severe heart failure. Furthermore, regulatory information notes that older adults are particularly susceptible to adverse effects, and the medicine may impair female fertility.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for Magenol (Nimesulide) describes the manifestations and necessary emergency actions following an acute overdose. Overdose may present with initial, generally non-specific signs, which typically include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain. Gastrointestinal bleeding is also a documented risk associated with overdose.


Severe Outcomes and Emergency Care

Regulatory summaries indicate that, in rare cases, overdose can escalate to severe, life-threatening events. These documented outcomes include hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma. The manifestation of any severe sign requires that immediate medical attention be sought as per official guidance.

The required management procedure is to provide symptomatic and supportive care. This approach is mandated because the regulatory information explicitly states that no specific antidotes are known for Magenol overdose. Continuous observation and support are essential for managing any potential progression of the documented severe effects, which define the threshold for urgent medical intervention.

Therapeutic Uses of Magenol

The primary role of Magenol is to provide supportive symptomatic relief in clinical contexts where heightened physiological activity, such as pain and inflammation, causes symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain. Its use is applicable across therapeutic domains that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns, and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Key Therapeutic Applications

Magenol is generally applied in addressing symptoms related to physical discomfort and inflammatory states, relevant in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms. It is commonly used to help manage acute pain, is applied in addressing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, is used for managing symptoms associated with painful osteoarthritis, and to ease primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps). It may contribute to improved comfort during symptomatic periods.

“Supportive symptom management is commonly used when short-term assistance is needed to address acute or episodic discomfort.”

The medication also contributes to the management of systemic imbalance, being commonly used to help moderate fever that may accompany acute painful episodes.

Quick Fact: Symptomatic Support
Therapeutic Domain Symptom Management in Inflammatory States
Clinical Context Applied in scenarios where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed
Patient Benefit Helps ease the overall symptom burden

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility and Age Limits

The eligibility profile for Magenol (Nimesulide) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and is organized by age, organ health, and pre-existing conditions. The medicine is approved for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. It is contraindicated in children under 12. While use is allowed in older adults, clinical monitoring is explicitly advised due to increased risk.


Contraindicated Populations

Magenol is absolutely prohibited for patients with any degree of hepatic impairment (liver disease) and those with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/ min). Contraindications also include patients with active peptic ulcers, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, severe heart failure, and severe coagulation disorders. Individuals with a history of hepatotoxic reactions to Nimesulide or those with alcoholism/drug addiction must also not use Magenol.


Conditional and Restricted Use

The drug is restricted to second-line treatment only, meaning it should only be used after other options have failed. It is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy and during lactation. Use is not recommended for women who are attempting to conceive or for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, where use requires caution.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Magenol Interactions with other medicines and products

Magenol (which contains the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Nimesulide) has a documented interaction profile in regulatory sources, largely driven by its properties as a non-selective or COX-2 selective NSAID.

Key interaction domains concern increased risks of bleeding and toxicity with other medicines, requiring specific precautions or contraindication in certain populations.

Interacting Product Category Official Regulatory Constraint
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Acenocoumarol) Concurrent use is not recommended due to a significantly increased risk of bleeding and hemorrhage. Close monitoring of coagulation status (e.g., INR) is essential if co-administration is necessary.
Anti-platelet Agents (e.g., Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)) Combined use is not recommended as it increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Nimesulide may also reduce the effect of low-dose ASA on platelet aggregation.
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) Nimesulide may reduce the diuretic and natriuretic effect of these medicines. Caution is required, particularly in patients with compromised cardiac or renal function.
Other NSAIDs Concomitant use with other NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors) is not recommended due to a cumulative risk of adverse effects, particularly on the gastrointestinal tract.
Lithium, Methotrexate Nimesulide may increase the plasma concentration and potential toxicity of these medicines by reducing their renal clearance. Monitoring of serum levels is mandatory.
Hepatotoxic Drugs / Alcohol Concomitant exposure to known hepatotoxic substances and excessive alcohol consumption must be avoided during treatment due to the increased risk of hepatic reactions.

Nimesulide is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hepatotoxic reactions to the medicine, in severe renal impairment, and during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Mechanism of Action

Selective Inhibition of the COX-2 Enzyme System

Magenol (Nimesulide) acts as a selective inhibitor primarily targeting the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is upregulated during inflammatory processes. This targeted action is crucial for modulating enzymatic pathways involved in prostanoid synthesis, defining the molecular basis of the compound's physiological action.


Pathway Modulation and Reduction of PGE2 Synthesis

The inhibition of COX-2 profoundly reduces the synthesis of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a key chemical mediator derived from the Arachidonic Acid Cascade. This mechanism is relevant across systems where targeted pathway adjustment involves COX-2 inhibition, as it alters the influence of this key signaling molecule on tissue and nerve function.


Integrated Central and Peripheral Physiological Action

The mechanism influences the systemic modulation of physiological signaling by affecting both central and peripheral pathways. By reducing PGE2 in peripheral tissue, it decreases the sensitization of afferent nerve endings, while its effect within the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center modulates the thermal set point.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Magenol

Magenol is an orally administered pharmaceutical preparation of Nimesulide. Its use is defined by specific, high-level administration principles governing the route, frequency, duration, and context of its intake.

Administration Principle Usage Specification
Route Oral (via tablets or granules for suspension).
Standard Dose & Frequency 100 mg taken twice daily (bid). The total daily intake must not exceed 200 mg.
Timing Each dose must be taken after a meal or with food.
Preparation Granules for oral suspension require dissolution in water before consumption.
Duration Constraint Use must be limited to the shortest possible duration. The maximum treatment period for any course is 15 days.
Contextual Use The medicine is restricted to use as a second line treatment for its approved indications.

Population-Specific Administration

Dosing guidelines state that no dosage adjustments are generally necessary for older adults, adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, or for patients presenting with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-80 mL/min). This consistency in dosing across these populations standardizes its application in adult and adolescent care.

The overall use protocol is highly structured and time-bound. This framework ensures that patients receive the required 100 mg dose twice daily with food, while strictly enforcing the 15-day maximum duration limit.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies


Phase 3 Trials: Compound A Monotherapy

Research has explored whether Compound A monotherapy could be a viable option for managing symptoms of inflammatory arthritis. The primary research goal was to investigate the potential effects of a fixed dose of Compound A on key metrics related to inflammatory arthritis over a 12-week period.

  • Outcomes Measured (Primary): Studies examined whether joint function and pain were affected. Results were based on standardized assessment scales (e.g., WOMAC, VAS). The potential effects on swelling, pain, and stiffness were also evaluated.
  • Outcomes Measured (Secondary): Exploratory endpoints assessed mobility and participant-reported quality of life.
  • Safety Findings: Safety was evaluated, and participant tolerance was assessed over the trial duration. Discontinuation rates related to adverse events were measured.

Combination Therapy Studies: Compound A and B

Research examined the potential of combining Compound A with Compound B to determine if a combined approach was associated with different outcomes compared to the monotherapy.

  • Objective: To determine if the addition of Compound B to the established dose of Compound A resulted in a measurable difference in efficacy or safety profile compared to Compound A alone.
  • Combined Effects: The addition of Compound B was examined for potential effects on the therapeutic profile. Studies focused on changes in inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) over a six-month period.
  • Administration Study: Administration was assessed in relation to food intake as part of pharmacokinetic studies, which also measured the half-life and bioavailability of the two compounds in combination.
  • Study Limitations: Research excluded participants with existing kidney conditions. Comparative studies against older methods were not performed in these specific trials. Research also explored the onset of potential effects; the median time to initial change in VAS score was assessed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Magenol (FAQ)


Q: What is the specific chemical structure of Magenol (Nimesulide)?

Official documents state that the active ingredient in Magenol is Nimesulide, which is a synthetic compound. Regulatory documents specify its chemical identity. Its molecular formula is C13 H12 N2 O5 S, and its chemical classification is within the sulfonanilide family of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

Q: How long after taking Magenol should I expect to feel the pain relief effect?

Official product information on Nimesulide indicates that the medicine is characterized by a relatively rapid onset of action. This quality is relevant as Magenol is specifically approved for the management of acute pain associated with temporary inflammatory conditions.

Q: Is it safe to take Magenol if I have mild kidney problems (e.g., creatinine clearance of 60 mL/min)?

Regulatory documents address the use of Nimesulide in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, defined as a creatinine clearance of 30-80 mL/min. In this specific population, official information indicates that dosage adjustment is not generally necessary. However, individuals with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min) should not use Magenol.

Q: How exactly does Magenol reduce fever?

The fever-reducing effect (antipyretic action) of Magenol is linked to its influence on central body systems. Its mechanism involves modulating the thermal set point, which is the body's internal reference temperature, located within the hypothalamus in the brain.

Q: Where exactly in the body does Magenol act to reduce pain and inflammation?

The medicine's action is integrated across systemic pathways. It is known to reduce the production of inflammatory substances in peripheral tissues and to influence central pathways involved in pain and temperature control. This effect helps manage discomfort, swelling, and tenderness associated with acute inflammatory conditions.

Q: What is the half-life of Magenol?

Official pharmacokinetic information describes how the body eliminates the active ingredient. Studies show that after oral administration, Nimesulide has a terminal half-life that typically ranges from approximately 1.8 to 4.7 hours. The half-life refers to the time it takes for the concentration of the medicine in the body to be reduced by half.

How should Magenol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Magenol?

Official storage and disposal instructions ensure the medicine maintains its stability and is discarded safely, as regulated by government health authorities.

Storage Requirements

Storage Factor Official Regulatory Rule
Temperature Do not store Magenol above 30 C.
Protection Keep protected from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Packaging Keep the product in its original, tightly closed container.
Safety Must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Magenol must be discarded according to local pharmaceutical regulations. The official guidance from regulatory bodies advises against disposing of the medicine by flushing it down a toilet or pouring it into a drain, as the product should not be released into the environment. Patients are typically advised to utilize authorized drug take-back programs.

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

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