Nise

Quick links to important sections

Nise

Selected form

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

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 Nise

What is Nise? The Definitive Overview

Property Description
Active ingredient Nimesulide
Form Tablet, suspension, gel
Pharmacological class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Physiological actions Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic
Origin Synthetic (Sulfonanilide derivative)

Nise: Classification and Core Identity

The medicine known by the trade name Nise is a synthetic pharmaceutical product whose active substance is Nimesulide, which is broadly classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Nimesulide is chemically defined as a sulfonanilide derivative and is utilized exclusively as a single-component product (monotherapy), not a combination drug. This classification places it within the major class of medications used to modify the body's inflammatory response. Nise is a commonly recognized brand in markets such as India, often positioned for the management of acute discomfort in adult and adolescent patients.

Understanding Nimesulide's Function and Type

Nimesulide is primarily known for its selective COX-2 inhibitor activity, a feature that distinguishes its mechanism of effect from many older, non-selective NSAIDs. This means the medication preferentially targets the specific enzyme responsible for producing inflammatory substances. The general therapeutic purpose of Nise is determined by its three key physiological actions: it functions as an analgesic (to relieve pain), an anti-inflammatory agent (to reduce swelling), and an antipyretic (to help control fever). The substance is clinically recognized for its efficacy in rapidly managing symptoms like the acute pain associated with muscle strain.

Available Preparations (Systemic and Topical)

Nimesulide is manufactured in multiple pharmaceutical preparations to allow for different administration routes, including both oral forms and a topical form. The oral forms consist of tablets, dispersible tablets, and a suspension, all designed for systemic absorption into the bloodstream. The availability of dispersible tablets offers an alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing traditional tablets. In contrast, the topical form is available as a gel, which utilizes a specialized hydrogel base to facilitate localized action, further broadening the application flexibility of the medicine.

What side effects are possible with Nise?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for the active ingredient, Nimesulide, is structured around its classification as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and is strictly documented by government regulatory agencies. The primary safety concerns documented by regulatory bodies focus on potential adverse effects involving the Hepatobiliary (liver) and Gastrointestinal systems.


System-Organ Classes and Frequency

Frequency Category Representative Adverse Reactions (Systemic Exposure)
Common Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Rare/Very Rare Serious hepatic reactions (including hepatitis), acute renal failure, and severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Restrictions

Official labeling documents emphasize the risk of Serious Adverse Reactions (SARs), including acute liver injury, which may progress to fulminant hepatic failure (including fatal cases), and major Gastrointestinal Complications such as ulceration, bleeding, or perforation. Regulatory safety data indicates that liver damage can occur following even short exposure to the drug, meaning shorter treatment durations do not guarantee safety.


Population-Specific Safety Constraints

Safety documents impose specific restrictions concerning patient demographics and existing conditions. The medicine is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age and in individuals with a history of hepatotoxic reactions to Nimesulide. Furthermore, use is restricted in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment and during the third trimester of pregnancy. These constraints define the boundary for appropriate use, reflecting the official safety data regarding increased vulnerability in these populations.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for Nimesulide (Nise), consistent with its classification as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), outlines specific clinical manifestations and mandated emergency requirements.


Documented Manifestations and Severe Outcomes

Acute overdose commonly presents with self-limiting symptoms focused on the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Documented presentations include nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy, and drowsiness. These manifestations are generally considered reversible with supportive care. However, regulatory documents recognize the potential for rare, severe systemic complications. These serious outcomes may include gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, coma, and hypertension.


Emergency Action and Required Management

Management is strictly focused on symptomatic and supportive care, as the official regulatory information confirms that no specific antidote is known for Nimesulide overdose. Immediate medical attention must be sought when any severe or persistent symptom is observed, especially those indicating systemic compromise like severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness. The official guidance emphasizes that management must address all manifested symptoms and complications during the acute intoxication period.

Therapeutic Uses of Nise

What Nise Treats — Main Uses and Benefits

The medication is commonly used across domains where symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain (such as discomfort, inflammation, and fever) interfere with daily functioning. The product offers supportive therapeutic benefit by addressing symptoms associated with acute or episodic changes.

The medication is applied in addressing conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, which is considered relevant for the symptomatic treatment of painful osteoarthritis, symptoms related to physical discomfort (general acute pain), and relief from primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps).

It is applied in contexts where additional symptomatic support for managing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states is needed. By helping with pain and inflammation, the medication may assist with maintaining functional stability, particularly during acute flare-ups of chronic conditions or following minor procedures.


Quick Fact: Symptom Management Focus

The medication supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms.


Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Nimesulide Indications

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for Nise (Nimesulide) is strictly defined by regulatory contraindications and age limits. The systemic formulations are approved for use only in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. Use is Contraindicated in numerous populations due to specific health conditions or physiological states, as documented in official product information.

Population Status Eligibility Restriction
Age Contraindicated in children under 12 years.
Hepatic Function Contraindicated in any degree of hepatic impairment or a history of hepatotoxic reaction to Nimesulide.
Renal Function Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min).

Additionally, Nise is Contraindicated for individuals with active or recurrent gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding, severe heart failure, severe coagulation disorders, or known hypersensitivity to Nimesulide or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). For Reproductive Status, the medicine is Contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Use is also Not Recommended during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy or for women attempting to conceive.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information describes specific interaction patterns for the active substance Nimesulide, classified primarily by their effect on drug exposure or pharmacodynamic outcomes.

Prohibited and Avoided Combinations:

  • Co-administration of Nimesulide with other systemic NSAIDs or other potentially hepatotoxic drugs is formally contraindicated due to the increased risk of severe adverse reactions, including hepatic injury. This restriction extends to chronic alcohol abuse.

Interactions Affecting Drug Exposure:

  • Nimesulide is documented as a CYP2C9 inhibitor. This metabolic effect may cause the plasma concentrations of other medications that are substrates of this enzyme to be increased.
  • Co-administration with Lithium reduces its renal clearance, which can lead to elevated plasma lithium levels and increased toxicity, mandating close regulatory monitoring if the combination is necessary.
  • The use of Nimesulide less than 24 hours before or after Methotrexate is cautioned, as it may increase the serum level and potential toxicity of Methotrexate.

Interactions Affecting Pharmacodynamic Outcome:

  • The combination with anticoagulant agents (e.g., Warfarin) is not recommended due to an officially documented increased risk of bleeding complications or hemorrhage.
  • Nimesulide may reduce the natriuretic and diuretic response of medications like Furosemide. Caution is also specified for co-administration with Cyclosporines, due to a potential increase in nephrotoxicity, particularly in patients with existing renal or cardiac impairment.

Mechanism of Action

The Pharmacodynamic Mechanism of Nimesulide

Nise (Nimesulide) exerts its action primarily by inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This enzyme is a critical component of the eicosanoid cascade, responsible for the localized synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. Inhibition of COX-2 activity results in a measurable decrease in the production rate of these pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. This molecular consequence influences subsequent signal transduction pathways.

Beyond this central interaction, Nimesulide engages in other molecular cascades. It affects the release and activity of certain proteolytic enzymes, such as metalloproteinases, and modulates the generation of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) within affected systems. Furthermore, the drug influences the signaling environment by affecting the concentration and activity of specific non-prostanoid mediators, including histamine released from mast cells. The sequential influence on these molecular pathways alters the overall physiological state of localized cellular responses without reference to therapeutic outcomes.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Nise is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Nise, whose active ingredient is Nimesulide, is administered following established guidance that defines its route, dosing, and duration of use. The medication is prescribed using the minimum effective dose for the shortest possible duration, a key principle defined within official usage documents.

Systemic Nimesulide is primarily administered via the oral route, typically as 100 mg tablets or granules. Rectal administration is also utilized through 200 mg suppositories, while the topical route uses gel preparations for localized application.


Dosing and Contextual Use

The usage of systemic Nimesulide is restricted to that of a second-line treatment in the management protocol. The total daily intake must not exceed the specified maximum of 200 mg. The following table summarizes the key administration parameters for systemic use:

Feature Instruction
Standard Single Dose 100 mg
Dosing Frequency Twice daily (bid)
Timing in Relation to Meals Must be taken after a meal (post-prandially)
Maximum Course Duration Must not exceed 15 consecutive days

Population-Specific Usage

Official instructions provide high-level guidance regarding administration in specific patient groups. No dose adjustment is required for older adults or for adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age. Furthermore, patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (Creatinine Clearance 30-80 mL/min) do not require a reduction in the standard daily dosage.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Nise

This section summarizes the structure of the available scientific research for Nise (Nimesulide), detailing the types of studies conducted, the specific symptom axes monitored, and the areas where information remains limited. The goal is to provide context, not medical advice, treatment recommendations, or efficacy claims.


Evidence for Use in Acute Pain

Nimesulide was studied for acute pain primarily in short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. These trials was evaluated in adult and adolescent patients (aged 12 and older) experiencing conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, such as pain following minor surgery. Researchers monitored symptom axes related to physical discomfort, including the use of scales to measure pain intensity and tracked the time to onset of measured symptom change. Studies also explored whether there was a change in the need for rescue medication.

Findings from trials documented measurements of changes in pain intensity over brief periods, often hours after a single dose. The evidence provides context regarding symptom patterns during the acute phase of heightened symptom activity.


Evidence for Use in Painful Osteoarthritis

Nimesulide was studied for symptomatic painful osteoarthritis (OA) in Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The studies was evaluated in adult patients, including cohorts of older adult individuals, diagnosed with OA. The key outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level that researchers examined included pain at rest and during movement and various functional impairment scales.

Findings reported how symptoms evolved in the observed populations over medium-term periods, such as 1 to 3 months, with some extended observational studies reaching 6 months. The research explores exclusively symptomatic modification and does not address disease-modifying effects.


Evidence in Study Populations

Research has explored symptom axes in specific groups, including adolescents and older adult patients with osteoarthritis. These populations were included in the main body of research that explored the studied contexts. However, data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for patients with multiple concurrent health issues. Results apply only to the populations studied and cannot be generalized broadly.

Key Studies & References

  1. Treatment of acute low back pain with the COX-2-selective anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide: results of a randomized, double-blind comparative trial versus ibuprofen
  2. Nimesulide in dysmenorrhoea (Review summarizing clinical data for PD)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Nise (FAQ)

Q: What is Nise generally prescribed for?

A: Official guidance states the active substance is indicated for the symptomatic management of acute pain, painful osteoarthritis symptoms, and primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain). This medication is recommended as a second-line treatment only.

Q: How long do the effects of Nise last?

A: The time the body takes to reduce the amount of the drug by half, known as the elimination half-life, is typically between 1.8 and 4.7 hours. This value provides a reference for how long the drug remains active in the system.

Q: Is it normal to feel a bit dizzy after taking Nise?

A: Dizziness is a documented potential undesirable effect of Nimesulide, according to regulatory documents. If this occurs, it is an officially reported reaction to the medicine.

Q: Are there specific symptoms that require contacting a doctor while taking Nise?

A: Official product information advises immediate discontinuation and seeking professional medical attention if symptoms of liver injury appear (such as unexplained anorexia, nausea, dark urine, or liver function test abnormalities). The same urgency applies to signs of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration.

Q: Does Nise interact with blood pressure medicine?

A: Regulatory documents note that caution is specified for its use alongside diuretics or other anti-hypertensive agents, as Nimesulide can potentially reduce their intended blood pressure-lowering effect. For example, it is noted to reduce the effect of the diuretic Furosemide.

Q: Are there any foods or supplements that should be avoided when using Nise?

A: Official administration guidelines state the medication should be taken after a meal. Co-administration with chronic alcohol abuse is formally contraindicated. Regulatory documents do not list restrictions on specific common supplements or foods other than alcohol.

Q: Can Nise affect how birth control pills work?

A: Regulatory reviews citing case reports suggest that the concurrent use of Nimesulide with oral contraception may involve a higher risk of liver damage. However, the primary regulatory label may not specify a direct interaction that alters contraceptive effectiveness.

Q: Is Nise approved for use in children?

A: The systemic oral formulation of Nise is contraindicated (officially forbidden) for use in children under 12 years of age. However, the medication is approved for use in adolescents aged 12 to 18 years.

Q: Can older adults safely use Nise?

A: No dose adjustment is specifically mandated for older adults in the label. However, regulatory documents emphasize the need for careful clinical monitoring in this group due to a heightened risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal or renal events.

Q: Are there any research studies published about the long-term use of Nise?

A: Official guidance limits systemic use to a maximum of 15 consecutive days due to safety considerations, reflecting that the drug is intended for short-term, acute symptom management. While research may include observational studies up to six months, official approval is limited to short-term use only.

Q: Can Nise be used for menstrual cramps?

A: Yes, Nimesulide is formally indicated in regulatory documents for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps). As with its other uses, it is recommended only as a second-line treatment option.

Q: What does official guidance say about the risk of heart problems with Nise?

A: Nimesulide is officially contraindicated in patients who have severe heart failure. Official warnings categorize the drug as an NSAID, which, as a class, may carry a small increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Q: Why does the label warn about cardiovascular risks?

A: The warning reflects the established regulatory position on all Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). This warning indicates that NSAIDs, as a class, may be associated with a small increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Q: Is there a warning about using Nise before surgery?

A: Regulatory documents advise that caution should be exercised if the medicine is used in patients undergoing procedures where there may be a risk of bleeding. This is based on the drug's effect on platelet function and its known interaction with anticoagulant agents.

Q: Is Nise known to cause drowsiness?

A: Somnolence, the medical term for drowsiness, is listed in regulatory documents as an occasional potential undesirable effect of Nimesulide.

Q: Can Nise cause allergic reactions?

A: The medicine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Nimesulide or other NSAIDs. Official documentation specifies that rare but serious allergic responses, including severe skin reactions, have been documented.

Q: Is Nise safe to take if I have asthma?

A: Nimesulide is officially contraindicated in patients with a history of bronchospasm (sudden airway narrowing), rhinitis, or urticaria following the use of aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Q: What is the regulatory status of Nise (e.g., prescription or non-prescription)?

A: In most international markets where Nimesulide is currently available, including countries in the European Union, it is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM).

Q: Are there generic versions of Nise available?

A: Yes, because the patent for the active substance Nimesulide is no longer in effect, many generic formulations are now available internationally. These may be sold under various brand names, depending on the country.

Q: What should I do if I miss taking a dose of Nise?

A: Official regulatory information generally advises that a patient should skip a missed dose and resume the schedule at the next regular time, rather than taking a double dose to compensate.

Q: What is the evidence regarding Nise and headaches?

A: Regulatory documents list headache as a potential undesirable effect of Nimesulide. It is important to note that Nimesulide is not listed as a primary official indication for the treatment of headaches.

Q: Does Nise have any known drug dependency potential?

A: Official regulatory documents do not mention any known potential for drug dependency or abuse. This is consistent with its classification as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).

Q: What is the meaning of the research term 'pharmacodynamics' regarding Nise?

A: Pharmacodynamics is a term used to describe what the medicine does to the body. For Nise, this refers to its mechanism of action, which involves its effects on specific enzymes and chemical messengers like prostaglandins.

Q: Can taking Nise affect my blood clotting?

A: Yes, as an NSAID, Nimesulide can affect the function of platelets, which are key to blood clotting. Due to its effect on platelets, it is contraindicated in individuals with severe coagulation disorders and is not recommended when combined with anticoagulant agents.

Q: Does Nise have a black box warning in the US?

A: The active substance Nimesulide has not been approved or marketed in the United States by the FDA. Consequently, it does not carry a US-specific Black Box Warning.

Q: Are there any common reasons a doctor would stop prescribing Nise?

A: Official warnings state that a critical reason for discontinuation is the appearance of any signs of liver injury (e.g., jaundice, fatigue, or dark urine). The medicine should be stopped immediately if such symptoms or abnormal liver function tests occur.

How should Nise be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements for Nise (Nimesulide)

The storage and disposal of nimesulide products must align with official regulatory documentation to maintain stability and ensure safety.

Storage Conditions: The medication must be stored below 30 C and should be protected from light and moisture. To preserve its integrity, keep Nise in its original container, which must be kept tightly closed.

Child Safety: As a mandatory safety instruction, Nise must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Rules: Regulatory guidelines prohibit discarding unused or expired product via wastewater or household trash. Disposal must be accomplished through official drug take-back programs or handled according to local regulations for pharmaceutical waste.

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

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Nise found in:

A-Z Index: