Nilid

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Nilid

Quick Facts: Nilid (Nimesulide)

Property Description
Active Ingredient Nimesulide (sulfonanilide structure)
Form Tablet, oral suspension, topical gel
Pharmacological Class Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Mechanism Type Selective COX-2 Preferential Inhibitor
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Nilid? (Identity and Classification)

Nilid is a pharmaceutical preparation containing the active substance Nimesulide, which is classified as a Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This classification places it among medicines used to address pain and inflammation. Nimesulide is specifically recognized as a selective COX-2 preferential inhibitor, a feature supported by comprehensive pharmacological studies and clinical research. The compound's defining sulfonanilide structure contributes to this distinct profile, which has led to its clinical recognition for its potent anti-inflammatory effect.


Nimesulide Composition and Available Forms (Composition and Structure)

The product is a single active ingredient product, consisting of the synthetic compound Nimesulide along with pharmaceutical excipients. Nilid is supplied in several dosage forms, including the most common oral tablet and granule for oral suspension, as well as a topical gel for application to the skin. These various forms support both oral (systemic) and topical (localized) routes of administration. Clinical pharmacology data confirms that the oral forms are readily absorbed to begin their systemic action. This means the medicine is designed to quickly enter the bloodstream to help relieve discomfort throughout the body.


What is the General Purpose of Nilid? (Core Benefit)

The general purpose of Nilid is to provide symptomatic relief by leveraging its anti-inflammatory properties. Its mechanism translates into a combined anti-inflammatory effect, analgesic activity (pain relief), and antipyretic activity (fever reduction). Nimesulide is effective in providing relief from acute pain and inflammation. The research confirms that this drug is effective at reducing the three key symptoms of inflammation: swelling, pain, and fever. This action allows the medicine to manage discomfort and acute inflammatory responses.

Regulatory References

  1. Nimesulide: EMA Referral Procedures Overview

What side effects are possible with Nilid?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile of Nilid (Nimesulide), a Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), is documented based on classifications from government regulatory authorities. The adverse reactions are categorized by frequency and the body system affected, with specific constraints related to usage and pre-existing conditions.


Documented System-Organ Adverse Reactions

The most commonly documented effects are related to Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) and often involve transient elevation of liver enzymes (classified as Common). Less common documented effects include hypertension and oedema.

  • Serious Adverse Reactions: The label highlights the risk of severe hepatic reactions, including acute hepatitis, jaundice, and very rare cases of fulminant hepatic failure. Serious events also include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, or perforation, and severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
Classification Examples of Documented Reactions
Common Nausea, Diarrhoea, Liver enzyme elevation
Very Rare Hepatic failure, Renal failure, SJS/TEN

Safety Restrictions and Contextual Notes

Official documents define explicit limitations and safety patterns for use. Severe hepatic impairment, active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer, and severe heart failure are conditions that prohibit the use of Nilid. The risk of severe hepatic injury has been documented following short exposure, with most serious liver-related effects noted within the first two weeks of treatment.

Specific safety considerations apply to certain groups: the medicine is contraindicated in children under 12 and during the third trimester of pregnancy. Elderly patients are officially noted as being at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal and organ-function adverse effects, requiring specific clinical monitoring.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for Nilid (Nimesulide) overdose outlines documented manifestations and mandated emergency actions. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy, and drowsiness. The potential for serious clinical outcomes, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, and metabolic acidosis, is documented in regulatory sources.

Severe Outcomes and Urgent Action

The primary critical risk noted in official documents is severe hepatic injury, which may progress to acute liver failure. Symptoms compatible with impending hepatic damage—such as anorexia, dark urine, and fatigue—mandate immediate, permanent discontinuation of the medication. Individuals must seek immediate medical attention for all suspected overdose situations.

Management and Antidote Status

Management procedures, as described in regulatory text, rely on providing symptomatic and supportive treatment. Hospital monitoring and observation, which may include repeated liver function tests, may be required. According to official labeling, no specific antidote is known for Nimesulide toxicity. Elderly patients and those with pre-existing hepatic or renal impairment are noted to have an increased susceptibility to severe sequelae in overdose.

Therapeutic Uses of Nilid

The therapeutic indications for Nilid are generally used in the management of symptoms related to acute pain, painful osteoarthritis, and primary dysmenorrhoea. This medication is generally applied in contexts where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.

Core Therapeutic Contexts

Nilid plays a role in managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as those related to muscle and joint pain following soft tissue injuries (like sprains and strains), or the discomfort associated with dental procedures. It is also relevant in clinical settings marked by increased discomfort or tension during the menstrual cycle.

“The medication is used to address symptoms related to acute pain, supporting patients during difficult episodes by easing distress.”

This approach contributes to easing the overall symptom load. For instance, Nilid contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms, which assists with maintaining functional stability when acute manifestations interfere with routine activities.


Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Inflammatory Discomfort

Symptom Domain Key Use Scenario Patient Benefit
Pain and Inflammation Acute episodic symptoms, painful flares (e.g., osteoarthritis), post-procedure discomfort. Helps ease the overall symptom load.
Systemic Discomfort Primary dysmenorrhoea, symptoms related to systemic imbalance. May support patients during episodes of heightened discomfort.

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) documentation

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Nilid? (Official Regulatory Information)

Official regulatory documents strictly define the patient population eligible to use Nilid (Nimesulide), limiting it to adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. Its systemic use is constrained to second-line treatment for acute symptoms, with a maximum treatment duration of 15 days.


Contraindicated Populations

Use of Nilid is contraindicated (prohibited) in several specific patient groups:

  • Age: Children under 12 years of age.
  • Organ Function: Patients with hepatic impairment (liver failure) or a history of hepatotoxic reactions to nimesulide. It is also prohibited in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/ min) and severe heart failure.
  • Gastrointestinal/Bleeding: Patients with an active gastric or duodenal ulcer, a history of recurrent ulceration, or any active bleeding or severe coagulation disorders.
  • Pregnancy/Lactation: Women in the third trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding women.

Restricted or Conditional Use

  • Pregnancy: The medicine is not recommended in women attempting to conceive or during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
  • Renal Function: Patients with mild to moderate renal impairment may use the medicine, as dosage adjustment is generally not necessary.
  • Geriatric Patients: Appropriate clinical monitoring is advisable for older adults due to their increased susceptibility to certain effects.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documentation structures the interaction profile of Nilid (Nimesulide) around specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects.

Contraindicated and Restricted Combinations

Concomitant use with known hepatotoxic drugs must be avoided due to the increased risk of hepatic reactions. The simultaneous administration of other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is not recommended because of the potential for additive adverse effects. Furthermore, alcohol abuse must be strictly avoided during treatment.


Pharmacodynamic and Clearance Effects

Nilid acts as an inhibitor of the CYP2C9 enzyme, which may lead to increased plasma concentrations for medicines that are substrates of this enzyme. The co-administration of Nilid with oral anticoagulant agents (e.g., Warfarin) is not recommended due to a significantly increased risk of bleeding complications. Nilid has also been reported to reduce the clearance of Lithium, potentially causing elevated plasma levels and toxicity.


Timing and Population Cautions

Official labeling specifies that caution is required if Nilid is used less than 24 hours before or after Methotrexate treatment, as this constraint helps mitigate the risk of increased Methotrexate toxicity. For patients with existing renal or cardiac impairment, the combination of Nilid and Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) requires caution, as the interaction may result in the deterioration of renal function.

Mechanism of Action

Preferential Inhibition of the COX-2 Enzyme

The primary mechanism of Nilid involves the preferential inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2) enzyme. COX-2 is upregulated at sites of tissue damage and catalyzes the formation of Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2), a key mediator of inflammatory signaling and pyresis. By targeting COX-2 over COX-1, the molecule substantially reduces PGE2 synthesis both locally and in the hypothalamus, resulting in the modulation of the inflammatory cascade and the regulation of the elevated hypothalamic set-point.

Modulation of Cell Function and Oxidative Stress

Nilid exerts secondary, COX-independent actions that complement its core mechanism. It acts as a scavenger of Reactive Oxygen Species ( ROS) / Free Radicals and inhibits key functions of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophil aggregation and the release of destructive enzymes like Matrix Metalloproteinases ( MMPs). This combined action restricts the activity of enzymes and free radicals associated with extracellular matrix degradation, contributing to the systemic modulation of the inflammatory cascade by engaging mechanisms separate from prostaglandin synthesis.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Nilid

The administration of Nilid (Nimesulide) is strictly defined, emphasizing the use of the minimum effective dose for the shortest possible duration of treatment. Systemic use of the medicine is primarily achieved via the oral route, though topical and rectal forms are also authorized for use in some regions. The most common oral forms include the 100 mg tablet and granules for oral suspension.


Standard Dosing and Administration Conditions

Official prescribing information establishes a standardized, fixed regimen for adult use:

Usage Parameter Official Instruction
Standard Single Dose 100 mg
Maximum Daily Dose 200 mg
Frequency Twice daily (bid)
Time Restriction Max duration of 15 days

For oral administration, the drug must be taken after meals to align with the recommended usage pattern. If the granules for oral suspension are used, the contents must be dissolved completely in water before ingestion. If a dose is missed, a double dose should not be taken to make up for the skipped timing.


Population-Specific Usage Rules

Official labeling includes explicit rules regarding patient demographics and health status. Nilid is contraindicated (not to be used) in children under 12 years of age and in patients diagnosed with severe hepatic or renal impairment. However, no dosage adjustment is typically required for older adults or adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Nilid (Nimesulide)

This overview describes the types of official research that have been conducted to evaluate Nilid and what is known—or remains uncertain—from these studies, according to authoritative scientific sources.


Evidence from Trials for Acute Pain Relief

Nilid was studied in research exploring acute, short-term physical discomfort, such as pain following soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains. The primary research approach has been short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), which compared the medicine to an inactive substance (placebo) or to active comparator agents. Researchers examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, including how pain intensity changed over short time intervals, and monitored metrics related to the requirement for additional analgesics.

The studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, indicating that the pain scores showed patterns of change in the Nimesulide group that differed from the placebo group over the short follow-up periods. Research also describes patterns where measured outcomes related to pain scores were observed at defined early time points after administration. A key limitation is that follow-up durations were limited by regulatory constraints, meaning there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Evidence from Trials for Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Research has explored the use of Nilid in patients with primary dysmenorrhoea to study symptom patterns, a condition associated with acute or disruptive episodes of pain during the menstrual cycle. The evidence comes mainly from RCTs that studies monitored changes during the first few days of the menstrual period. These studies examined outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance by tracking patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and pain intensity.

Evidence from Trials for Painful Osteoarthritis Flares

Nilid was evaluated in research involving patients with painful osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. The findings indicate that the observed patterns in the measured pain scores and functional outcomes for Nilid were compared to the patterns observed for active comparator agents over the short-term study period. The major constraint is that regulatory decisions strictly limit treatment to 15 days maximum, which leaves long-term effectiveness for the chronic nature of the disease uncharacterized by authorized use.

Evidence Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

While a significant amount of research has contributed to the broader evidence landscape, the primary uncertainty stems from the regulatory restrictions limiting follow-up durations. Because of the 15-day maximum treatment course, long-term effects are not fully established for any condition. Data for certain groups, such as those with high burdens of co-existing medical conditions (comorbidities), remain insufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Nilid (FAQ)

Q: Do side effects from Nilid tend to get worse or better over time?

Official safety information indicates that many common, mild side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea, often resolve gradually over the course of treatment. However, rare but serious adverse effects, particularly severe liver injury, have been reported to occur after a very short exposure time, sometimes within the first two weeks of use.

Q: Is it normal to feel slightly nauseous when first starting Nilid?

According to the official product information, nausea is classified as a common side effect of this medicine. However, due to the established risk of rare but serious liver injury, any new or worsening nausea, especially when combined with fatigue or yellowing of the skin or eyes, requires professional medical evaluation, as discontinuation may be necessary.

Q: Can Nilid be used by people who have a history of heart problems?

Official regulatory documents state that Nilid is contraindicated (prohibited) in patients who have severe heart failure. For patients with other existing cardiac impairments, official labeling indicates that these conditions may require special monitoring, as the use of NSAIDs like Nilid has the potential to result in a deterioration of heart or kidney function.

Q: How quickly does Nilid start to work after the first time it is used?

Studies and official information indicate that Nilid has a relatively rapid onset of action. Meaningful reductions in symptoms were observed in clinical studies within 15 minutes of taking the oral form of the drug.

Q: Is it common to have an adjustment period when first beginning Nilid treatment?

It is possible to experience some common, mild effects like nausea or diarrhea when first beginning treatment, and these may gradually resolve. However, patients should be aware that the regulatory documents specifically highlight the short time frame—sometimes within the first two weeks—in which rare but serious liver adverse effects have been reported.

Q: Has Nilid received approval for use in countries outside of the United States?

Nilid is an established medicine that has been available in many global regions, and its safety has been extensively reviewed by bodies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, official regulatory history indicates that due to concerns regarding liver toxicity, Nilid has been withdrawn from the market in many countries over time.

Q: Are there specific activities I should avoid while using Nilid?

Official product information states that Nilid may cause central nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or vertigo. If these effects are experienced, it may be necessary to refrain from driving or operating machinery while taking the medicine.

Q: Is Nilid metabolized by the liver or the kidneys?

According to pharmacokinetics data, Nilid is extensively metabolized in the liver by several metabolic pathways. The resulting compounds are then primarily eliminated from the body via urinary excretion, accounting for approximately 50% of the dose.

Q: Is Nilid considered a new treatment or has it been used for many years?

Official regulatory documentation shows that Nilid is an established medicine that has been available in various regions for many years. It is not considered a new treatment, and its safety profile has been subject to rigorous regulatory review by international bodies over time.

Q: How long after stopping Nilid do the side effects typically clear up?

For most adverse effects, official data suggests they typically begin to resolve a few days after stopping the medication. Any severe or persistent effects following discontinuation are a matter for medical consultation.

Q: Is weight change a commonly discussed effect of Nilid?

According to the official safety profile, weight change is not classified as a common or known side effect associated with the use of Nilid.

Q: Does Nilid typically impact a person's energy level?

The medicine's official safety profile lists adverse reactions such as drowsiness and somnolence (a strong feeling of being sleepy). These effects, if experienced, may impact a person's energy and alertness levels.

Q: Are there specific foods that should be avoided while taking Nilid?

While the medicine is generally taken with meals to reduce the possibility of stomach upset, there are no specific food items that are listed as being prohibited in the official product labeling.

Q: What is the main difference between Nilid and any generic equivalent?

Nilid is the brand name for the active substance Nimesulide. Generic equivalents contain the exact same active ingredient and are required to adhere to the same official standards for dosing and safety profiles as set out in regulatory documents.

Q: How do patients generally feel after they stop taking Nilid?

The resolution of most adverse effects typically begins a few days after stopping the medication. A return of the original pain symptoms is expected, as the medicine's therapeutic effect ceases upon discontinuation.

How should Nilid be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Nilid

The storage and disposal of Nilid (Nimesulide) must comply strictly with official regulatory labeling to maintain stability and ensure safety.


Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature (e.g., 20°C to 25°C).
Protection Keep away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
Container Store in the original container and keep it tightly closed.
Prohibited Do not freeze the medicine.

Safety and Disposal

Official labeling mandates that the product must be stored locked up and kept out of the reach of children and pets (Precautionary Statement P405). Disposal of any unused or expired Nilid requires adherence to regulatory guidelines (P501), meaning the contents and container must be directed to an approved waste disposal plant.

The medication should not be released into the environment, and disposal via the household drain or toilet is prohibited.

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

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