Nimesulide Pensa

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

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 Nimesulide Pensa

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Nimesulide
Form Tablets, Granules for oral suspension (Oral)
Pharmacological class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Common use Relief of acute pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic organic compound

What is Nimesulide Pensa and its Pharmacological Class?

Nimesulide Pensa is a brand-specific preparation containing Nimesulide, which is chemically classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Nimesulide, the active compound, belongs to the distinct sulfonanilide chemical structural class. As an NSAID, its primary function is to provide symptomatic relief by influencing the body's response pathways related to inflammation and pain. Nimesulide is characterized as a preferential inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). This mechanism is recognized for providing focused action in the management of acute discomfort.

Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

Nimesulide Pensa is a single-ingredient medication, containing only the active substance Nimesulide, which is a synthetic organic compound. This compound is chemically manufactured, not derived from natural sources, and is formulated with necessary pharmaceutical excipients. The Pensa brand is commonly marketed in forms intended for oral administration, such as tablets or granules for oral suspension. The availability of granules for oral suspension offers an alternative for patients who may have difficulty swallowing solid tablets.

What is the General Therapeutic Purpose of Nimesulide?

The general purpose of Nimesulide is to provide a combined analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effect. By targeting the mechanism that synthesizes prostaglandins, which are key chemical mediators of pain and inflammatory responses, the medicine is used for the mitigation of acute symptoms. Nimesulide exerts these analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects to provide broad symptomatic relief through its pharmacological triple action.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH LiverTox

What side effects are possible with Nimesulide Pensa?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Nimesulide is formally documented by regulatory authorities, which classify adverse reactions according to the organ system affected and their reported frequency. The safety framework is crucially defined by the potential for Hepatobiliary disorders.

Official Adverse Reaction Categories

Classification Examples of Reactions
Common (Reported Frequently) Diarrhoea, Nausea, Vomiting, Transient increase in liver enzymes.
Uncommon (Reported Less Frequently) Rash, Pruritus (Itching), Oedema, Dizziness, Gastric haemorrhage.
Very Rare (Clinically Significant) Fulminant hepatic failure, Severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN), Acute renal failure.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The most serious concern listed in regulatory documentation is the potential for acute liver injury and, in very rare cases, fulminant hepatic failure. As with other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), serious gastrointestinal events, including ulceration, bleeding, and perforation, are documented and may occur at any time during exposure.

Specific constraints define the appropriate use of Nimesulide. The medicine is contraindicated in paediatric patients under 12 years of age and in adults with severe hepatic or renal impairment. It is also contraindicated for patients with a history of hepatotoxic reactions to Nimesulide or active gastrointestinal ulceration. Use is further restricted by the explicit prohibition of concomitant use with other NSAIDs or known hepatotoxic substances.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This content is derived from official regulatory documentation and describes the documented manifestations of Nimesulide overdose and the required emergency actions.

Documented Overdose Manifestations and Risks

Category Official Regulatory Description
Initial Symptoms Overdose may initially present with non-specific symptoms including nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy, and drowsiness.
Severe Outcomes Severe or life-threatening manifestations are officially documented and include gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, anaphylactoid reactions, and coma.

Required Emergency Actions

The official labeling explicitly states that following any suspected overdose, individuals must seek immediate medical attention.

No specific antidote is known for Nimesulide overdose. Due to the absence of a specific counteracting agent, the mandated management is symptomatic and supportive treatment. This procedural context may involve continuous observation and, if within a few hours of ingestion, the administration of activated charcoal and/or an osmotic cathartic, as determined by a healthcare professional. Observation is generally required for patients who are symptomatic or who have ingested a large quantity. The potential for severe, life-threatening outcomes, such as acute renal failure and coma, is the reason for the requirement of immediate medical evaluation.

Therapeutic Uses of Nimesulide Pensa

What Nimesulide Pensa Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The primary therapeutic role of Nimesulide Pensa is commonly used to help with symptomatic relief across clinical domains where pain and inflammation are the key disruptive features. It is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate, and is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden.

It is commonly used to help with symptomatic relief for acute pain, primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain), and for managing painful symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. The medication is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, such as pain following minor trauma like sprains, post-dental surgery discomfort, or episodic conditions.

“This medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.”

It addresses symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, including symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states (pain, swelling, and fever), which contributes to easing the overall symptom load during symptomatic phases.


Quick Fact: Support for Pain, Inflammation, and Fever

Property Description
Primary action Supportive symptomatic relief
Symptom domains Acute pain, inflammation, and elevated body temperature
Key conditions Primary dysmenorrhoea, acute musculoskeletal pain, symptomatic osteoarthritis
Benefit Provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden during acute episodes

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) public assessment

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Contraindications

The eligibility for Nimesulide Pensa is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and is determined by age, pre-existing health conditions, and physiological status. This medication is authorized for use only in adolescents and adults aged 12 years and older.


Absolute Contraindications (Who Must Not Use)

Use is strictly prohibited if any of the following conditions are present, as defined in regulatory labeling (e.g., EMA/SmPC):

  • Hepatic Impairment: Any degree of liver function loss, or a history of liver reactions to Nimesulide.
  • Severe Organ Dysfunction: Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) or severe heart failure.
  • Gastrointestinal Risk: Active gastric or duodenal ulceration, a history of recurrent ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, or severe coagulation disorders.
  • Age and Symptoms: Children under 12 years of age, or the presence of fever and/or flu-like symptoms.
  • Reproductive Status: Women in the third trimester of pregnancy or women who are breastfeeding.

Conditional and Restricted Use

  • Pregnancy and Conception: Use is not recommended for women who are trying to conceive or during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
  • Elderly Patients: Use is permitted but requires caution, with advisable clinical monitoring of renal, cardiac, and hepatic function.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information describes specific interaction patterns for Nimesulide Pensa, focusing on combinations that pose additive risk or modify systemic drug exposure. Co-administration with other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including COX-2 selective inhibitors, and Potentially Hepatotoxic Substances (such as Paracetamol) is formally restricted and generally must be avoided.

Pharmacodynamic and Hemorrhagic Risk

The profile identifies an increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or ulceration when Nimesulide is combined with certain agents. This includes Oral Corticosteroids, Antiplatelet Agents, Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), and Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Furthermore, Nimesulide may reduce the efficacy of medications controlling blood pressure and fluid retention, such as Diuretics, ACE Inhibitors, and Angiotensin II Antagonists (AIIA), which carries a risk of renal function deterioration.

Exposure Modification

Nimesulide is documented to modify the systemic exposure of certain co-administered drugs. It may increase the serum concentrations of Lithium and Methotrexate, and it increases the risk of Nephrotoxicity when combined with Cyclosporin. Additionally, regulatory data notes that co-administration reduces the Area Under the Curve (AUC) and cumulative excretion of Furosemide. The consumption of Alcohol must be avoided due to the associated risk of hepatic reactions.

Mechanism of Action

Selective Inhibition of the COX-2 Enzyme

Nimesulide's primary mechanism involves the selective modulation of the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. By blocking COX-2, Nimesulide suppresses the production of specific prostaglandins, which are key chemical mediators that initiate and maintain physiological responses, including nociception and the inflammatory process.

Interference with Downstream Inflammatory Cascades

Acting beyond the initial enzyme block, Nimesulide is relevant in systems where targeted pathway adjustment is required. It modifies later stages of inflammatory cascades by limiting the formation of toxic oxygen metabolites (free radicals) released by immune cells and influencing the activity of enzymes involved in tissue degradation. This combined action results in a reduction of excessive mediator activity, which contributes to the modulation of overactive physiological responses.

Modulation of Nociception and Thermoregulation Pathways

The drug's targeted effect on inflammatory mediators and signaling sequences leads to defined alterations in physiological parameters. By reducing the overall concentration of prostaglandins that act on thermoregulation centers and nerve endings, the mechanism supports a more regulated state within targeted pathways, which ultimately shapes the drug's effect profile related to the modulation of nociceptive signaling and thermoregulation pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Nimesulide Pensa is Used: Administration Guidelines

This section outlines instructions for the use of Nimesulide Pensa (nimesulide), detailing the route, dosage, frequency, and duration.


Administration Details and Dosage

Nimesulide Pensa is available as 100 mg tablets and granules for oral suspension. The method of administration is oral intake.

Instruction Category Rule
Standard Dose 100 mg per dose
Frequency Twice daily (bid)
Maximum Daily Dose 200 mg total
Intake Condition Must be taken after a meal

Duration and Specific Populations

Treatment adheres to the principle of using the minimum effective dose for the shortest duration required. The maximum duration of a treatment course is limited to 15 days.

Special Use Rules:

  • Older Adults: No adjustment to the standard daily dosage is required.
  • Adolescents (12 to 18 years): No dosage adjustment is necessary.
  • Renal Impairment: No adjustment is needed for mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30-80 mL/min).
  • Contraindicated Use: Use is contraindicated (forbidden) in children under 12 years of age and in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Nimesulide Pensa

As documented by regulatory assessments, the clinical evaluation of Nimesulide Pensa is based on official research, incorporating findings from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and various systematic reviews. This overview focuses on the structure of that evidence, detailing what has been studied and what remains uncertain, adhering strictly to official documentation.


Evidence for Short-Term Acute Pain and Inflammation

Research examined Nimesulide for conditions involving heightened symptoms, such as acute musculoskeletal discomfort and post-operative pain, in short-term clinical trials. These studies, many of which were multicenter and double-blind, were applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms. Researchers examined outcomes related to physical discomfort by measuring changes in pain intensity using established scales.

Studies reported patterns observed in the populations examined during defined short-term periods. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies primarily focused on acute relief over very short follow-up durations, sometimes lasting only a few hours up to two weeks. A key limitation is that available data provide limited information for long-term outcomes due to regulatory restrictions on treatment duration.


Evidence for Use in Primary Dysmenorrhoea

The medicine was studied for use in women experiencing primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain), a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. The evidence base includes RCTs and systematic reviews that examined the medicine's profile in the context of placebo and active comparison drugs.

Research focused on the measured change in abdominal pain severity and monitoring patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Data show patterns related to short-term changes that were monitored during the acute menstrual cycle. What remains uncertain is the relative profile compared to all other available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; some systematic reviews noted that the evidence quality varies, suggesting limited statistical power to clearly differentiate patterns between individual agents.


Research Landscape: Durability and Uncertainty

The overall research landscape for Nimesulide Pensa focuses heavily on short-term outcomes related to symptom change. Regulatory decisions have restricted the maximum duration of treatment to 15 days across all indications. Consequently, research exploring sustained effects, durability of response, or outcomes over periods longer than two weeks remains insufficiently characterized, representing a key area where certainty remains low. Research for specific subgroups, such as older adults with comorbidities, often constitutes a minority within the larger trial data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Nimesulide Pensa (FAQ)


Q: What is the main reason Nimesulide Pensa is prescribed?

Official product information states that Nimesulide is indicated for the treatment of acute pain and for the management of primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain). Official product information notes its place as a second-line treatment, meaning it is often considered after other options.


Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Nimesulide Pensa?

Official labeling indicates that the consumption of alcohol should be avoided during treatment with Nimesulide Pensa. This restriction is associated with an increased risk of hepatic (liver) reactions.


Q: What are the possible signs of liver problems I should watch out for?

Due to the potential risk of acute liver injury, official warnings advise stopping treatment and contacting a doctor immediately if symptoms such as loss of appetite (anorexia), nausea or vomiting, persistent abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue are noticed. Changes like dark urine have also been noted in regulatory warnings.


Q: What should I do if I miss a scheduled dose?

The standard guidance for a missed dose is to skip the forgotten dose and continue with the next dose at the regular time. Official recommendations state that a double dose should not be taken to compensate for a missed dose.


Q: What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose (overdose)?

In the event that more than the recommended amount of Nimesulide Pensa is taken, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention. Official product information notes that treatment will focus on addressing the symptoms (symptomatic treatment) and providing general support, as there is no specific antidote available.

How should Nimesulide Pensa be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Nimesulide Pensa

Nimesulide Pensa must be stored according to official regulatory requirements that protect the product's integrity and ensure safety.

Official Storage Conditions

Requirement Description
Temperature Do not store above 30 C.
Protection Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protected from moisture and direct heat. Keep the container tightly closed.
Safety The medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children and should be stored locked up.

Official Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Nimesulide Pensa should not be released into the environment, including wastewater systems or household trash. Disposal of the contents and container must be directed to an approved waste disposal plant or a special waste collection point in accordance with local and national regulations.

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

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