Niflactol

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Niflactol

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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 Niflactol

Property Description
Active ingredient Morniflumate, Niflumic Acid
Form Capsule, Tablet, Sachet, Injectable Solution, Gel
Pharmacological class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Common purpose Symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation
Origin Synthetic organic molecule

What Type of Medicine is Niflactol?

Niflactol is a synthetic pharmaceutical preparation that is clinically recognized as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Its core purpose is to interrupt the biological processes that cause swelling and discomfort, providing systematic symptomatic relief in various inflammatory states. The drug is classified within the fenamate subclass of NSAIDs, distinguishing its specific chemical structure from other, more common NSAID groups. Fenamates act as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents in conditions such as soft tissue inflammation. This classification confirms its defined role as a medication for managing inflammatory and rheumatic symptoms.


Composition: Morniflumate and Niflumic Acid

Niflactol’s efficacy relies on its dual chemical composition: the prodrug Morniflumate and its primary active component, Niflumic Acid. Morniflumate is the inactive ester form designed for efficient delivery, which is rapidly converted into the fully bioactive metabolite, Niflumic Acid, once absorbed into the bloodstream. Niflumic Acid is the molecule responsible for the therapeutic effect. This prodrug system is a key differentiating factor, often employed to potentially optimize the drug's absorption and tolerability profile. The active ingredient is grouped under the M01AX classification for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic products.


Available Forms and General Purpose

Niflactol is commonly available in several dosage forms suited for different routes of administration, including capsules, tablets, or sachets for oral use, as well as an injectable solution for parenteral administration, and a gel for topical application. The availability of multiple forms, particularly the gel, allows for localized relief in addition to systemic action. The general therapeutic purpose is achieved by its anti-inflammatory mechanism: the inhibition of enzymes that create prostaglandins. By blocking the production of these mediators, the preparation delivers its core analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefit, helping to mitigate discomfort and reduce inflammatory responses in the body.

Regulatory References

  1. EMA ATC List

What side effects are possible with Niflactol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information for Niflactol

Niflactol, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is associated with a range of side effects, some of which are serious and require immediate medical attention. The safety profile is characterized by warnings concerning major organ systems.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Warnings

Cardiovascular Risks: Niflactol carries a serious warning regarding an increased risk of life-threatening cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, which can occur early in treatment. This risk may increase with higher doses and longer duration of use. The drug is contraindicated for use in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Gastrointestinal Risks: Like other NSAIDs, Niflactol can cause serious gastrointestinal adverse events, including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. This risk increases with the duration of use and in elderly patients or those with a prior history of GI bleeding or ulcers.

Other Serious Reactions: Regulatory documents also highlight risks of severe hepatotoxicity (liver failure), renal toxicity (kidney damage or failure), anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, and serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome).


Common Side Effects and Restrictions

Common Adverse Reactions (Gastrointestinal and CNS): Patients commonly experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain. Other frequent reactions include headache and dizziness.

Safety Restrictions and Monitoring: Use is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, a history of asthma or allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs, and in patients with severe heart failure or established cardiovascular disease. Fetal toxicity is a concern, with contraindication in the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Use is generally limited to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to minimize risk. Monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and hepatic function is required, particularly during long-term therapy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This section summarizes the officially documented manifestations of overdose for Niflactol (Morniflumate/Niflumic Acid), based on authoritative governmental and regulatory-equivalent sources.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Overdose presentations are frequently minor and self-limiting in most acute cases. The most common manifestations involve:

  • Gastrointestinal Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain.
  • CNS Effects: Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and confusion.

Severe Outcomes and Emergency Action

Massive ingestions are associated with the risk of severe outcomes, including seizures, acute renal failure, and metabolic acidosis. In rare, severe cases, shock or coma may occur. All symptomatic children and all cases of intentional overdose are identified as requiring urgent medical admission and observation.

Immediate Action is Required: If an overdose is suspected or the patient feels unwell, one must immediately call a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention.

Supportive Care

There is no specific antidote listed for Niflactol overdose. Management is entirely symptomatic and supportive, focusing on general resuscitation procedures, ensuring adequate hydration, and treating specific manifestations as they arise, such as seizures or severe pain.

Therapeutic Uses of Niflactol

Niflactol provides supportive therapeutic relief by addressing groups of symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states that may appear suddenly or intensify over time, and contributes to easing the overall symptom load. The medication is generally applied in contexts where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed, helping to maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable. It is utilized in various clinical domains where additional symptomatic support is required.

The active components may assist with managing symptoms related to physical discomfort, inflammation, and systemic imbalance across various conditions. It is commonly used to help manage symptoms linked to conditions such as acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute bronchitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout flare-ups, and soft tissue injuries. This supportive relief may assist with maintaining functional stability.

Managing Symptoms in Acute ENT and Musculoskeletal Inflammation

Niflactol is generally used across conditions presenting with acute episodes in the ENT system and is applied in scenarios where symptoms interfere with daily comfort due to osteoarticular conditions. It is relevant for easing throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and joint stiffness.

Quick Fact: Relief for Key Symptom Clusters
Symptoms relieved primarily include pain, inflammation, swelling, and associated fever, relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Niflactol?

Regulatory authorities strictly define the population groups eligible to use Niflactol (Morniflumate) based on documented contraindications and specific health criteria.

Populations Who Must Not Use Niflactol (Contraindications)

Niflactol is contraindicated and must not be used by several groups, as specified in the official labeling:

  • Patients with documented hypersensitivity to Morniflumate or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Individuals with active gastrointestinal bleeding or an active peptic ulcer (gastric or duodenal).
  • Patients with severe heart, liver, or kidney problems (severe cardiac, hepatic, or renal insufficiency).
  • Children and adolescents younger than 15 years of age.
  • Pregnant women after the sixth month of pregnancy (the third trimester).

Populations Requiring Conditional Use

Some populations are eligible but require special caution or supervision:

  • Elderly patients are advised to use the medicine with caution due to an increased risk of specific adverse effects.
  • Use is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
  • Use during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy is restricted and should be avoided unless strictly necessary.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Niflactol, as a fenamate NSAID, has documented interactions categorized by official regulatory bodies concerning the risk of hemorrhage, pharmacokinetic alterations, and reduced therapeutic effect of co-administered medicines.

Contraindicated and Discouraged Combinations

Co-administration with other NSAIDs (including high-dose Salicylates) is formally discouraged due to a heightened, additive risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and hemorrhage. The combination with Oral Anticoagulants (such as Vitamin K Antagonists or Dabigatran) is similarly discouraged because of a significant, additive risk of severe bleeding.

Exposure-Altering and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Pharmacokinetic interactions are noted with substances eliminated through the kidneys. Concomitant use with Lithium inhibits its renal elimination, leading to a risk of increased plasma concentration. The co-administration of Methotrexate (at doses 15 mg/ week) results in a documented reduction in its renal clearance, elevating the risk of hematological toxicity. Niflactol may also reduce the antihypertensive or diuretic effect of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and Diuretics.

Pharmacodynamic interactions include an increased risk of hemorrhage when taken alongside Glucocorticoids or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). The consumption of Alcohol also increases the risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Regulatory documents also note that the active substance is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Mechanism of Action

How Niflactol Works

Niflactol’s action is mediated by its active metabolite, Niflumic Acid, which engages two key mechanistic domains to modulate physiological responses.


Enzyme Inhibition and the Prostaglandin Cascade

This domain covers the primary molecular action of Niflumic Acid as a COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor. This interference with the Arachidonic Acid Cascade prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins ( PGE2), which are signaling molecules. By suppressing PGE2 production, the mechanism modifies the early molecular steps that drive signaling, resulting in a reduction in inflammatory mediator concentration in tissues.


Modulation of Ion Channel and Smooth Muscle Signaling

The secondary mechanistic domain involves the modulation of Ca^2+-Activated Chloride Channels ( CaCCs) and interaction with the 5-Lipoxygenase ( 5-LOX) pathway. This activity modifies ion flow that regulates cell excitability and smooth muscle contraction. Engaging these secondary mechanisms is characterized by a reduction in the effects of excessive mediator activity and influences the dynamics of signaling within these peripheral pathways, contributing to the overall physiological response profile.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Niflactol Administration Guidelines

Niflactol (niflumic acid) is a drug product administered via two primary routes and is available in specific strengths. Instructions for proper use are established within its standard prescribing information.

Usage Attribute Official Instruction
Route of Administration Oral (capsules) and Topical (cream or gel).
Available Dosage Forms 250 mg capsules, and topical formulations (e.g., 2.5% gel, 3% cream).

Dosing and Administration

The dosage for Niflactol follows defined limits and schedules:

  • Standard Adult Oral Dosing: The usual recommended dose is 250 mg, administered 3 to 4 times per day. The daily total should generally not exceed 1000 mg, though a maximum limit of 1500 mg (6 capsules) may be used in severe conditions, distributed across the day.
  • Pediatric Dosing (Over 12 years): The dosage is typically 500 mg to 750 mg per day (2 to 3 capsules), with the maximum daily dose not to exceed 750 mg.
  • Administration Timing: Oral capsules must be taken with food and a sufficient quantity of water.
  • Topical Application: Topical forms (gel or cream) are applied locally to the affected area, usually 3 times per day.

Procedural Constraints

Usage parameters require the application of the lowest dose that achieves the necessary response. Treatment is intended for the shortest possible duration; it should not be used for prolonged periods beyond what is necessary to address the acute condition.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Niflactol


Evidence for Use in Acute Upper Airway Inflammation

The research structure for Niflactol (Morniflumate/Niflumic Acid) for acute upper airway issues, such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis, includes short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and analyses that combine findings from multiple studies (meta-analyses). These studies were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity and research examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, specifically monitoring pain intensity and changes in swallowing difficulty (dysphagia).

Research explored how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, and studies reported measurements of pain and fever outcomes within the first few days of administration. The evidence is derived from studies where the medicine was administered alone and also in contexts where it was studied as an adjuvant, meaning it was used alongside concomitant antibiotic therapies. Long-term effects and the durability of any observed changes are not well characterized.


Evidence for Use in Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissue Inflammation

Studies have explored the use of Niflactol in managing symptoms linked to inflammatory or irritative states in joints and soft tissues, such as those associated with osteoarthritis. The available research includes comparative trials against other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and clinical use reviews. Research examined outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, evaluating metrics for pain intensity, and monitoring changes in measures of joint stiffness and associated swelling.

The findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to the acute management of pain and anti-inflammatory activity, consistent with the expected profile of the fenamate subclass of NSAIDs. However, specific, large-scale comparative evidence against the most commonly prescribed modern NSAIDs is often limited. Therefore, while data show patterns related to its role in acute pain, long-term functional and structural outcomes for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis are not fully established by the specific Niflactol evidence base.


Studies in Special Patient Populations and Research Gaps

Research has been conducted to evaluate outcomes related to short-term symptom patterns in populations outside of the general adult demographic, including children and infants. This research contributes to understanding symptom patterns in younger age groups.

However, data for certain groups remain insufficient. For example, evidence for its use in older adults with various comorbidities is often limited. Furthermore, follow-up durations in the primary clinical trials were typically limited, meaning the existing evidence provides context but not individual predictions regarding extended use. The certainty remains low for outcomes related to long-term use, and research is ongoing to contribute to the broader evidence landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Niflactol (FAQ)


Q: How long can a person safely take Niflactol?

Official administration guidelines emphasize that treatment with Niflactol should be for the shortest possible duration. Its use is generally limited to acute conditions, and prolonged treatment is usually not recommended. This approach helps to minimize the potential for side effects.


Q: Is Niflactol safe for elderly people?

According to official product information, elderly patients are advised to use Niflactol with caution. This is because this population may have an increased risk of specific adverse effects, particularly those related to the gastrointestinal system. Close monitoring is typically recommended for this patient population.


Q: Are there any major foods I should avoid while on Niflactol?

Regulatory information indicates that oral capsules of Niflactol must be taken with food to help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation. Official product information also notes that alcohol consumption is discouraged because it significantly increases the risk of serious internal bleeding when combined with Niflactol.


Q: Can Niflactol be taken with common over-the-counter cold medicines?

Official guidance discourages the use of Niflactol alongside other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Combining NSAIDs, which may be found in certain over-the-counter cold medicines, creates an additive risk of serious gastrointestinal problems, such as ulceration and bleeding. Patients should be aware that combining NSAIDs presents an increased risk.


Q: Are there studies supporting the long-term effectiveness of Niflactol?

Studies and official information indicate that the follow-up durations in the primary clinical trials for Niflactol were typically limited. As a result, the existing evidence focuses primarily on the acute management of pain and inflammation, and the certainty remains low for outcomes related to extended or long-term use.


Q: Is Niflactol similar to diclofenac?

Official information indicates that Niflactol is classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that belongs to the fenamate subclass. This classification distinguishes it from other NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, which belongs to a different chemical group. Both types of medicine function as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.


Q: Is Niflactol available as a topical cream or gel?

Yes, Niflactol is available in multiple dosage forms. In addition to oral forms like capsules and tablets, official product information confirms that it is available for localized application as a gel or cream (topical formulations).

How should Niflactol be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Handling

Niflactol must be stored at the conditions stated on the original container label to ensure its effectiveness through the expiration date. Typically, this type of medication should be kept in its original container, tightly closed, and stored at room temperature away from excessive heat and moisture, which may include avoiding the bathroom. Keep this medicine and all medications out of the sight and reach of children and pets, as accidental ingestion can be dangerous or fatal.

Disposal Requirements

Do not dispose of Niflactol by flushing it down a toilet or pouring it down a drain unless the original patient information explicitly instructs you to do so, as it is not on the U.S. FDA's list of medicines recommended for flushing. The safest method for disposal is to use a drug take-back program or medicine disposal kiosk, which are often available at pharmacies or police stations. If a take-back option is unavailable, you may dispose of it in household trash after mixing it with an unappealing substance, such as dirt or used coffee grounds, and sealing the mixture in a plastic bag.

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

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