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Nimesulide/paracetamol

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Nimesulide/paracetamol

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Treatment option:

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.

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Overview of Nimesulide/paracetamol

Property Description
Active ingredient Nimesulide, Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Form Tablet, Capsule, Granules, Suspension, Gel
Pharmacological class NSAID and Analgesic/Antipyretic Combination
Common use Relief of pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Nimesulide/Paracetamol? (Definition and Classification)

Nimesulide/Paracetamol is defined as a Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) medicine, integrating two distinct active pharmaceutical ingredients into a single preparation to manage symptoms like pain, fever, and inflammation. This combination is broadly categorized as an Analgesic, Antipyretic, and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) combination, reflecting the roles of both constituents. Nimesulide itself, a sulfonanilide derivative, is a noted selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor within the NSAID group. This specific profile is intended to offer targeted relief for conditions driven by inflammation. The product's overall origin is synthetic, leveraging carefully engineered compounds for therapeutic effect.

Composition and Available Forms (Ingredients and Pharmaceutical Preparation)

The two essential active ingredients are Nimesulide and Paracetamol (also globally recognized as Acetaminophen). Paracetamol serves as an analgesic for the management of various pain conditions. This combination of components ensures a dual mode of action, setting it apart from single-ingredient analgesics. These ingredients are compounded into multiple high-level dosage forms, including the common tablet, capsule, and granules for oral suspension, intended primarily for the oral route of administration. Other preparations may include a topical gel or suppository, expanding delivery options to specific patient groups, such as those with difficulty swallowing.

General Purpose and Dual Action (Overall Benefit)

The general purpose of this combination is to provide effective, simultaneous relief across the spectrum of discomfort characterized by acute pain, fever, and inflammation, such as the discomfort associated with a musculoskeletal injury. This benefit is rooted in its dual-action approach: the Nimesulide component works to modulate the body's inflammatory response, while the Paracetamol component primarily focuses on managing the central perception of pain and regulating elevated body temperature (fever). The FDC aims to deliver a comprehensive symptomatic benefit by addressing these distinct processes simultaneously.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Essential Medicines List
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What side effects are possible with Nimesulide/paracetamol?

Possible side effects and safety information

The officially documented safety profile for this combination medicine is primarily structured around the known risks of its two active components, with a focus on serious outcomes related to the liver and gastrointestinal system, as outlined in regulatory documents.

Adverse Reaction Classifications

Adverse reactions are formally grouped by the System-Organ Class (SOC) affected. The most frequently documented effects are generally classified as Common and involve the Gastrointestinal system, including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and dyspepsia. Effects on the Nervous system, such as headache and dizziness, are also noted.

Less frequent reactions are classed as Uncommon or Rare and involve systems such as the Skin and Subcutaneous tissue (rash, pruritus) and the Blood and lymphatic system (anaemia, thrombocytopenia).

Documented Serious Adverse Reactions

The safety labeling emphasizes the risk of severe, yet Very Rare, adverse events. These include Hepatotoxicity, which encompasses severe and potentially fatal acute liver failure, and serious Gastrointestinal events, specifically Ulceration, Haemorrhage, and Perforation. The risk of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), is also documented.

Safety Considerations and Restrictions

Certain safety patterns are documented in regulatory texts. The risk of acute liver injury may be more frequently observed at the start of treatment. Furthermore, the combination is explicitly contraindicated for patients with severe active liver disease, severe renal impairment, or active gastrointestinal ulceration. Older adults are identified as a population with an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal and organ-impairment events, as documented in official prescribing information.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Documented Overdose Manifestations and Risks

Regulatory documents state that immediate medical advice must be sought in the event of an overdose, even if the patient initially feels well, as early manifestations like pallor, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain do not reflect the severity of potential delayed injury. The primary documented risk is delayed liver damage (hepatic failure), which can progress to fulminant hepatic failure and death. Severe outcomes officially listed include acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis and systemic complications such as metabolic acidosis and cerebral oedema. The overdose hazard is documented as being greater in individuals with pre-existing conditions, notably non-cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease, malnutrition, or other glutathione-depleted states.


Required Emergency Actions and Management

Urgent hospital referral is required for immediate medical attention. Immediate treatment is essential. N-acetylcysteine is documented as the antidote, with regulatory data specifying that the maximum protective effect is obtained when treatment begins within the first eight hours post-ingestion. Supportive measures, including the consideration of activated charcoal if ingestion was recent, are officially described. Management requires strict monitoring, including measuring plasma paracetamol concentration at four hours or later after ingestion and conducting laboratory tests to track hepatic and renal function.

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Therapeutic Uses of Nimesulide/paracetamol

The Nimesulide/Paracetamol combination is commonly used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms, contributing to symptomatic relief across several therapeutic domains. Core uses are concentrated in areas where short-term symptom management is appropriate.

This combination is commonly used to help with conditions presenting with acute episodes of pain, such as symptoms related to physical discomfort that may arise from causes such as musculoskeletal tension or following minor procedures. It is also applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for recurrent or episodic manifestations like primary dysmenorrhoea and acute dental pain.

The medication is considered relevant for helping to ease symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states (like swelling) and symptoms related to systemic imbalance (like fever). It assists with maintaining functional stability during difficult episodes and contributes to easing the overall symptom load during periods of heightened symptoms.


Quick Fact: Symptomatic Support for Pain and Inflammation

The combination is commonly used to help with conditions presenting with acute episodes characterized by pain and inflammation, such as recurrent or episodic manifestations.

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) referral
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Nimesulide/paracetamol?

This section outlines the population eligibility for Nimesulide/paracetamol based strictly on official regulatory documentation.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Official prescribing information prohibits the use of Nimesulide/paracetamol in several specific populations:

  • Children under 12 years of age.
  • Patients with any degree of hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment (Creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min).
  • Patients with active gastric or duodenal ulcers or a history of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Individuals with severe heart failure, cerebrovascular bleeding, or other active bleeding disorders.
  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to nimesulide, paracetamol, or other NSAIDs.
  • Use is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding.

Restricted and Conditional Use

Population/Condition Eligibility Status (Regulatory Wording)
Age (Adolescents) Approved for use in individuals aged 12 to 18 years.
Age (Elderly) Use requires appropriate clinical monitoring.
Renal Function Patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (Creatinine clearance 30-80 ml/min) are permitted use without dosage adjustment.
Pregnancy Use should be avoided during the first and second trimesters unless clearly necessary.

Overall Eligibility Structure

The regulatory profile strictly defines eligible users as adults and adolescents over 12 who possess adequate organ function and lack specific pre-existing comorbidities. Non-eligibility is determined by explicit absolute contraindications related primarily to liver health, kidney function, and severe cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes the officially documented interaction patterns for the Nimesulide/Paracetamol combination as specified in regulatory prescribing information.

Contraindicated Combinations and Restrictions Co-administration is formally contraindicated with other Paracetamol-containing products and other NSAIDs to avoid cumulative hepatic and gastrointestinal toxicity. Use with potentially hepatotoxic substances is restricted. Alcohol abuse must be strictly avoided due to the documented increased risk of severe liver injury.

Pharmacokinetic and Exposure Alterations The Nimesulide component is documented as an inhibitor of the CYP2C9 enzyme, which may increase the plasma concentrations of medicines metabolized by this pathway. Separately, Paracetamol metabolism can be altered by substances that induce the CYP2E1 enzyme. The absorption rate of Paracetamol may be increased by Metoclopramide and reduced by Cholestyramine.

Pharmacodynamic and Clinical Effect Interactions The combination carries an increased risk of bleeding and hemorrhage when co-administered with Warfarin and other coumarins. Nimesulide is documented to reduce the diuretic and natriuretic effects of Furosemide. Co-administration with Cyclosporines increases the risk of nephrotoxicity. Caution is required if Nimesulide is used less than 24 hours before or after treatment with Methotrexate, due to the potential for increased Methotrexate toxicity. Interaction risks for hepatotoxicity are heightened in individuals with alcoholism or severe hepatic impairment.

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Mechanism of Action

Nimesulide acts as a selective inhibitor of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme largely inducible at localized tissue sites. This molecular interaction blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, lipid mediators that modulate various systemic physiological responses. Nimesulide also possesses a multifaceted mechanism, including the inhibition of phosphodiesterases, leading to increased intracellular cyclic nucleotide levels, and direct modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) exhibits its action primarily within the central nervous system (CNS). Its mechanism is proposed to involve the inhibition of CNS cyclooxygenase variants and the indirect activation of the descending inhibitory serotonergic pathway. The paracetamol metabolite AM404 is proposed to act as an agonist for cannabinoid receptor 1 ( CB1) and an activator of the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) channel, resulting in the modulation of neural signaling within pain processing pathways. The combined downstream cascades decrease the overall synthesis of pro-inflammatory and thermo-regulatory prostaglandins and modulate nociceptive impulse transmission.

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Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

The use of the Nimesulide/Paracetamol fixed-dose combination (FDC) is based on established prescribing information regarding the Nimesulide component. This medicine is intended exclusively for the oral route of administration through available forms such as tablets, capsules, or granules for suspension.

The standard adult posology dictates a dose of 100 mg Nimesulide (combined with Paracetamol) taken twice daily (bid). This frequency establishes a schedule where doses are typically administered twelve hours apart. Instructions specify that the oral dose should be taken after food (post-prandially). Tablets and capsules are intended to be swallowed whole and must not be crushed or chewed, aligning with standard administration procedures.

A specific parameter defines the duration of use, which must be for the shortest possible period to manage symptoms. The maximum duration for any single course of treatment containing Nimesulide must not exceed 15 days. Furthermore, protocols in certain jurisdictions may restrict this FDC's use to a second-line treatment option.

Usage parameters include specific population-based restrictions: the administration of this FDC is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Its use is also typically prohibited in adult patients diagnosed with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment, defining clear usage boundaries based on established clinical guidance.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Nimesulide/paracetamol

The research on Nimesulide/paracetamol is primarily designed to explore outcomes related to physical discomfort and systemic imbalance in controlled, short-term settings. The studies help show what has been observed so far in specific populations and under specific conditions. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly, as findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes.


Evidence for Use in Acute Pain and Related Inflammation

Research has explored the study of this combination for conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, such as research focusing on symptoms related to low back pain, soft tissue injuries, or following minor dental procedures. These investigations often involve Randomized, Active-Controlled Trials (RCTs) and larger Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Studies. These studies were designed for short-term observation, typically lasting between 7 and 14 days, and they evaluated adult populations. Researchers examined outcomes related to symptom intensity or variability by measuring changes in Pain Intensity Scores.

The findings describe patterns observed in the short-term studies, often compared against other active investigational treatments. However, these reported outcomes reflect only the acute phase of the conditions studied. Evidence is limited regarding the course of symptom observations extending beyond the brief follow-up periods.


Evidence for Use in Primary Dysmenorrhoea (Menstrual Pain)

The combination was studied for its application in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations like primary dysmenorrhoea. The body of evidence for this indication draws heavily on Systematic Reviews and RCTs of the Nimesulide component as a single ingredient. These trials monitored outcomes related to episodic or acute changes in pain, specifically measuring the severity and duration of the pain experienced during the menstrual cycle. They also examined the need for rescue medication to contextualize how patients reported their experience during phases of heightened symptom activity.


Study Duration and Long-Term Follow-up

Follow-up durations were limited across the majority of studies, focusing on acute observation that lasts no more than two weeks. The clinical research structure does not include long-term or extended-duration trials. Therefore, it is not yet clear whether the existing research fully characterizes long-term outcomes.

Key Studies & References Nimesulide in dysmenorrhoea (Review confirming Nimesulide alone efficacy and short-term focus)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Nimesulide/paracetamol (FAQ)


Q: How quickly can a person expect to feel the effect of Nimesulide/paracetamol?

Official regulatory summaries indicate that the Nimesulide component is absorbed quickly by the body. A rapid onset of action is documented, and clinical studies have observed pain reduction within 15 minutes of administration.


Q: How long does the effect of Nimesulide/paracetamol usually last?

The drug’s official administration schedule is structured to maintain therapeutic effect over an interval of approximately twelve hours. This schedule helps ensure a stable level of the medicine is maintained in the body.


Q: Is it true that Nimesulide/paracetamol is not available in all countries?

Yes, official regulatory histories confirm that Nimesulide is not authorized for use in the United States. Furthermore, the medicine has been subject to restrictions or withdrawal in several other countries due to safety reviews, although it remains authorized in some regions (like parts of Europe and Asia).


Q: Can Nimesulide/paracetamol be taken with medicines for high blood pressure?

Official prescribing information notes that the Nimesulide component may reduce the effect of certain diuretic medicines, such as Furosemide. Furosemide is a drug often used to help manage high blood pressure and fluid retention. Information regarding interactions is detailed in the official product information.


Q: Is there evidence to support the use of Nimesulide/paracetamol for nerve pain?

The medicine's official authorization is based on evidence for the short-term treatment of specific conditions, primarily acute pain, symptoms of painful osteoarthritis, and menstrual pain (primary dysmenorrhoea). Evidence supporting its use for long-term conditions like chronic nerve pain is not typically listed under its approved indications.


Q: Is Nimesulide/paracetamol described as a fast-acting pain relief option?

Yes, the Nimesulide component is officially documented as having a rapid onset of action. This means that users may start to feel the effects relatively quickly after administration.


Q: What is the official safety classification of Nimesulide/paracetamol?

Official safety labeling defines the medicine's risk profile by classifying adverse reactions based on their frequency (such as Common, Uncommon, and Rare). It also defines specific groups who must not use the medicine (Contraindicated Populations), which collectively describes its official safety profile.


Q: Are there clinical guidelines that describe the appropriate use of Nimesulide/paracetamol?

Yes, regulatory bodies have set specific constraints that govern appropriate use. These constraints generally restrict the medicine to a second-line treatment option. Furthermore, the official limit for any single course of treatment is specified as the shortest possible duration, not to exceed 15 days.


Q: Are there restrictions on driving or operating machinery while using Nimesulide/paracetamol?

Official safety labeling notes that the medicine can potentially cause dizziness, which may affect alertness. Because of this documented effect, caution is typically described in regulatory information for activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.


Q: Is this medicine known to cause fluid retention?

Yes, official safety documentation lists oedema (which is swelling due to fluid retention) as a possible undesirable effect. Oedema is a reaction that relates to the effects of the NSAID component.


Q: Can Nimesulide/paracetamol cause changes in mood or sleep?

Official regulatory documents list adverse reactions that relate to psychiatric and nervous system effects. These documented effects include confusion and hallucinations (classified under Psychiatric disorders), as well as somnolence (drowsiness).


Q: Does Nimesulide/paracetamol have a risk of causing allergic reactions?

Official safety labeling notes that hypersensitivity reactions are documented as a very rare undesirable effect. Furthermore, known hypersensitivity (an allergic reaction) to either Nimesulide or Paracetamol is listed as a condition that prevents use.


Q: If a dose is forgotten, how is that typically handled?

General regulatory information describes the procedure for a missed dose as typically skipping the missed dose entirely. The procedure continues by resuming the regular dosing schedule and advises against taking a compensatory double dose.


Q: Are there different strengths of Nimesulide/paracetamol available?

Official regulatory decisions have restricted the maximum recommended dose of the Nimesulide component to 100 mg when combined with paracetamol. This is because marketing authorization for higher single-dose strengths, such as 200 mg, has been withdrawn by some regulatory bodies.


Q: Why might a doctor prescribe Nimesulide/paracetamol over a single-ingredient medication?

Official documentation describes the medicine’s advantage as providing analgesic (pain relief), antipyretic (fever reduction), and anti-inflammatory activity at the same time. However, regulatory constraints often restrict its use to a second-line treatment for specific indications, meaning it is typically used when other simpler single-ingredient agents have not provided sufficient relief.


Q: Are there known interactions with oral contraception?

Studies documented in official sources indicate that the paracetamol component may increase the blood levels of ethinyloestradiol. This substance is a key ingredient found in some forms of combined oral contraceptive pills.


Q: Does Nimesulide/paracetamol have any impact on blood sugar levels?

The paracetamol component has been documented to interfere with certain medical devices. Specifically, it may affect the measurement of blood glucose levels by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, potentially leading to falsely elevated readings.


Q: What should a patient do if they experience an unexpected reaction?

Official warnings and regulatory information describe the importance of immediately discontinuing the medicine if signs of a serious adverse reaction, such as symptoms of liver injury or a severe allergic reaction, are observed. Such events are described as requiring immediate medical attention.

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How should Nimesulide/paracetamol be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Nimesulide/Paracetamol

The storage and handling of Nimesulide/Paracetamol must strictly follow official regulatory requirements to ensure stability and safety.


Official Storage Conditions

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at room temperature (e.g., 20 C to 25 C) or below 25 C.
Protection Keep in a dry place and protected from light and moisture.
Container Store in the original container or package.
Child Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Requirements

Unused or expired medicine must not be thrown away in household trash or wastewater. Official instructions require disposal via a drug take-back program or an authorized collection point.

If a take-back option is unavailable, the U.S. FDA advises mixing the medicine with an unappealing substance, such as coffee grounds, sealing it in a plastic bag, and then placing the bag in the household trash. All personal information on the packaging must be removed or defaced before disposal.

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

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