Nimesilam

Quick links to important sections

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 Nimesilam

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Nimesulide
Form Granules for oral suspension, Tablets
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Common use Symptomatic relief of pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic (sulfonanilide class)

What Type of Medicine is Nimesilam and What is it Made Of?

Nimesilam is the commercial designation for the active substance Nimesulide, which is classified as a synthetic Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Its composition is defined as a single-ingredient product, belonging specifically to the sulfonanilide chemical class.

The core of Nimesilam is the active ingredient, Nimesulide, which is fully synthetic in origin. A distinguishing feature of the brand Nimesilam is its presentation primarily as granules for oral suspension, designed for dissolving in water. This format is often recognized for potentially offering a fast onset of action compared to conventional tablets. These preparations are intended for oral administration, facilitating systemic absorption.


Nimesulide’s Unique Mechanism and General Purpose

Nimesilam's general purpose is to provide powerful symptomatic relief by reducing pain (analgesia), controlling inflammation (anti-inflammatory effect), and lowering fever (antipyresis). It achieves this primarily through its mechanism as a preferential inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. The drug is utilized for the symptomatic management of various pain and inflammatory conditions.

This action means Nimesulide selectively targets the COX-2 enzyme, which is responsible for rapidly generating inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins at the site of discomfort. By slowing this process, the medicine effectively reduces the source of inflammation and the associated pain signals. This focused approach provides comprehensive symptomatic relief for the three cardinal manifestations of inflammatory states: pain, inflammation, and fever.

What side effects are possible with Nimesilam?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The regulatory safety profile for Nimesulide (Nimesilam) is primarily structured around the potential for effects on the Hepatobiliary (liver) and Gastrointestinal systems. The safety data classifies adverse reactions by frequency and System-Organ Class (SOC) according to official regulatory standards.

Common adverse reactions, occurring in up to 1 in 10 patients, include Diarrhoea, Nausea, and Vomiting, along with transient elevations in liver enzyme levels (serum aminotransferase elevations).

Serious Adverse Reactions are classified as Very Rare (occurring in less than 1 in 10,000 patients) but include Fulminant hepatic failure (with fatal outcomes reported), Acute renal failure, and Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, or perforation. The regulatory documentation notes that severe hepatotoxicity has been reported following short exposure to the drug.

Safety-Related Restrictions and Contraindications

Official labels impose strict limitations on Nimesulide use. The medicine is contraindicated in individuals with any evidence of hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min). It is also contraindicated for patients with a history of recurrent gastrointestinal ulceration, severe heart failure, or a history of hepatotoxic reactions to the medicine. Older patients are officially recognized as being more susceptible to specific adverse reactions, including GI haemorrhage and renal dysfunction. Furthermore, the medicine is not recommended for women attempting to conceive.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Nimesilam (Nimesulide) overdose information is based strictly on descriptions documented in official regulatory labeling, outlining specific manifestations and emergency requirements.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Acute overdose presentations are generally consistent with high-dose exposure to Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

Category Manifestations Documented in Labeling
Common Acute Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy, and drowsiness (somnolence).
Serious Potential Acute renal failure, respiratory depression, coma, convulsions, and anaphylactoid reactions.
Hepatic Risks Liver enzyme elevation, acute hepatitis, and coagulopathy (reported in severe cases).

Required Emergency Actions

The regulatory guidance emphasizes immediate action, as no specific antidote is known for Nimesulide.

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Urgent medical help must be sought for any suspicion of overdose, especially if severe symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, signs of organ injury, respiratory distress, or severe gastrointestinal bleeding, are suspected.
  • Management: Treatment is strictly symptomatic and supportive care to manage vital functions and address manifestations as they arise.
  • Procedural Steps: Interventions such as gastric lavage or administration of activated charcoal may be considered if the ingestion occurred recently. The product must be immediately discontinued if any clinical signs of liver injury are suspected.

Therapeutic Uses of Nimesilam

What Nimesilam Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Nimesilam is commonly used in clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns, where its therapeutic application is concentrated on offering short-term symptomatic support. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, addressing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

The medication is relevant for easing challenging symptoms across therapeutic areas such as managing acute pain, primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps), and providing supportive care for painful musculoskeletal issues like sprains and strains. This use helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, especially during periods following injury or minor surgical procedures. The medicine plays a role in managing symptoms related to systemic imbalance by assisting with the moderation of fever.

This supportive relief is helpful in situations requiring temporary assistance in symptom stabilization, and may help patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.


Quick Fact: Support for Acute Discomfort

Symptom Domain Target Condition Patient Benefit
Pain, Inflammation, Fever Acute episodes and inflammatory states Contributes to easing the overall symptom load
Episodic Pain Primary dysmenorrhoea Supports patients during difficult cyclical episodes
Localized Discomfort Musculoskeletal injuries May assist with supporting functional stability

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency overview on Nimesulide

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The official eligibility for Nimesilam (Nimesulide) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on age, organ function, and physiological status. The medicine is approved only for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, and is contraindicated in children under this age.

Absolute contraindications are mandated for patients with severe underlying conditions. These include hepatic impairment or a history of hepatotoxic reactions to Nimesulide. Use is also forbidden for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min) and severe heart failure. Furthermore, patients with active gastrointestinal ulceration, recurrent ulcer history, or any active bleeding or coagulation disorders must not use the medicine.

Nimesilam is strictly contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy and throughout lactation. It is generally not recommended for women in the first two trimesters or those attempting to conceive. Patients with mild to moderate renal impairment may use the medicine without a dose adjustment but require regulatory caution.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Nimesilam (Nimesulide) has officially documented interaction patterns based on regulatory labeling, primarily concerning metabolic inhibition, pharmacodynamic reinforcement, and altered renal clearance of co-administered medicines.

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration is contraindicated with other potentially hepatotoxic substances and with other Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) when given at anti-inflammatory doses. Use is also restricted in patients with a history of alcoholism or drug addiction.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Nimesulide is documented as an inhibitor of the CYP2C9 enzyme, a pharmacokinetic interaction that can increase the plasma concentrations of co-administered drugs that are substrates of this pathway.

Pharmacodynamic interactions enhance the risk of bleeding when Nimesilam is co-administered with Warfarin or similar anticoagulant agents, anti-platelet agents, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Additionally, the co-administration of Oral Corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.

Exposure modification occurs with Lithium, as Nimesilam reduces its renal clearance, resulting in elevated plasma levels. Caution is also required when using Nimesilam less than 24 hours before or after treatment with Methotrexate, due to the risk of increased serum levels and toxicity.

Mechanism of Action

The core action of Nimesulide is focused on intervening in the biological pathways that modulate nociception and inflammatory responses.


Preferential Inhibition of the COX-2 Enzyme

The primary mechanism involves the competitive and reversible inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This inhibition is preferential, reflecting a significantly higher affinity for the inducible COX-2 form, which generates inflammatory mediators, over the constitutive COX-1 form. By blocking COX-2, Nimesulide modifies the early molecular step in the Arachidonic Acid Cascade, reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators.


Modulating Nociceptive Signaling and Thermoregulation

The consequence of COX-2 inhibition is a profound reduction in the concentration of Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). This reduction acts on two key physiological systems: it decreases the sensitization of peripheral nociceptors to other chemical stimuli, thereby modulating the transmission of afferent signals, and it resets the hypothalamic set-point in the central nervous system, which is necessary for normalizing core body temperature.


Secondary Anti-Inflammatory Actions

Nimesulide exerts effects beyond the COX pathway that contribute to its profile. The molecule acts as a scavenger of free radicals (ROS) and an inhibitor of Myeloperoxidase (MPO), enzymes associated with localized cellular stress. These ancillary mechanisms modulate cellular stress and contribute to the local regulation of the physiological response.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Nimesilam: Administration Guidelines

This section explains the general principles and instructions for using Nimesilam (Nimesulide). The primary administration pattern is established by a standardized dosing schedule and strict time limitations for the duration of therapy.


Administration Protocol

The standard systemic dose for adults is 100 mg, which is to be taken twice daily. The maximum total daily dose is 200 mg. For oral systemic forms, such as tablets and granules, the drug must be administered after meals.

Nimesilam is approved for systemic use via oral (tablets and granules for suspension) and rectal routes, as well as for local application via a topical gel.


Duration and Special Use Constraints

The use of systemic Nimesilam is strictly limited to the shortest possible duration necessary, and the total treatment course must not exceed 15 days. If a dose is missed, the next scheduled dose should be taken at the usual time, and a double dose must not be taken to compensate.

Specific administration rules apply to certain populations. Systemic Nimesilam is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age and in patients diagnosed with severe hepatic or renal impairment. No dose adjustment is specified for adolescents (12–18 years) or elderly individuals.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies


Research Investigating Combination Therapy

Research has explored whether combination therapy is associated with potential changes in treatment adherence and outcomes when compared to monotherapy. Studies examined the administration of Drug X in combination with Drug Y in adults who met the criteria for Target Condition.

This approach was studied to evaluate its potential effect on symptom measures over time.

Key Clinical Trials

The research includes data from several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and long-term open-label extension studies.

Efficacy and Primary Outcomes

Studies primarily evaluated the potential of the combination to affect the frequency and intensity of episodes associated with Target Condition.

  • Trial 1 (Phase III RCT): One large-scale Phase III RCT reported observations in the frequency of episodes over a 12-week period among participants receiving Drug X. The primary endpoint was defined as a 50% or greater decrease in episode frequency. The combination was also evaluated against other treatments.
  • Trial 2 (Long-Term Study): A 52-week extension study examined participants who completed the initial RCT phases. This research focused on whether the observations seen in the short-term trials could be maintained.

The studies investigated the treatment's impact on measures related to both primary drivers of the condition.

Treatment Adherence

A secondary aim of the clinical program was to assess whether the use of a fixed-dose combination might affect adherence compared to taking the two drugs separately. The specific combination dosage schedule was used in the study to maintain consistency with the evaluated protocol. Adherence rates were monitored through patient diaries and pill counts.


Safety and Tolerability Profile

Clinical trial data has been reviewed regarding the safety profile of the combination therapy. Researchers documented the type, frequency, and severity of adverse events (AEs) across all trial phases.

The most common reported adverse events were:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

The findings describe the combination’s profile over the duration of long-term observation in adults within the context of the study.

Contraindicated Populations

The combination was not studied in people with Condition Z, and data is not available on potential effects on their symptoms. Furthermore, the combination was not evaluated in pediatric populations or in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Nimesilam (FAQ)

Q: What are the common side effects of Nimesilam?

The prescribing information outlines potential side effects. Commonly reported side effects may include headache and dry mouth. This is not a complete list, and patients should review the official label information or consult their healthcare provider for a comprehensive list.

If a severe reaction occurs, discontinuing the medication or seeking medical attention should be done as directed by a healthcare provider. Managing any side effects is best discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.


Q: Can Nimesilam be used for the flu?

Nimesilam is indicated for the management of acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea. The official regulatory documents do not list use for treating the flu. Any use outside of the approved indications should be determined by a healthcare provider.


Q: How quickly does Nimesilam start working?

Available clinical study data suggests that effects may be experienced within a relatively short period after administration, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Specific timelines for the onset of action are best discussed with a pharmacist or prescribing physician.

How should Nimesilam be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Nimesilam (Nimesulide) are governed by specific regulatory requirements to maintain product quality and safety.

Storage Conditions

Nimesilam must be stored at controlled room temperature, typically below 25 C or 30 C, depending on the product's official label. It is required to keep the medicine in its original container, which must be tightly closed to protect it from light and moisture . The product must not be refrigerated or frozen. For safety, the medicine must be stored locked up and kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Nimesilam must be disposed of at an approved waste disposal plant or appropriate facility, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is strictly required to avoid release to the environment, including preventing entry into sewers and public waters.

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

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Nimesilam found in:

A-Z Index: