Mesulid

nimesulide

Nimesulide is a relatively COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Its approved indications are the treatment of acute pain, the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis and primary dysmenorrhoea in adolescents and adults above 12 years old. And is commonly used for the relief of fever, headaches and other minor aches and pains. Mesulid may also prevent the premature delivery.

Mesulid is usually prescribed for an average short-term treatment in the case of patients who are suffering from any of the following medical conditions: painful extra-articular medical disorders, symptomatic Osteoarthritis, post-operative dental inflammation and pain, primary dysmenorrheal, etc.

What is Mesulid?

Nimesulide has a multifactorial mechanism of action. Nimesulide, alongwith its preferential activity on COX-2 and a short half-life that correlates with a rapid onset of its analgesic action, acts also through a variety of COX independent pathways that contribute to its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

Before taking Mesulid

You might not be allowed to take this drug if:

• You are suffering from known hypersensitivity to the inactive or to the active ingredients of this medicine;
• If you are under 14 years old;
• If you are suffering from liver disorders or from hepatic impairment;
• If you are suffering from serious renal impairment;
• If you are suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding, active duodenal or gastric ulcers;
• If you have a history of recurrent duodenal or gastric ulcers.
• If you are suffering from coagulation disorders (for example hemophilia).

How should I take Mesulid?

In order to get the proper beneficial results from your treatment with Mesulid, you should do your best and try to take this drug on a regular basis. If you happen to miss one of your prescribed doses of this drug, you should contact your personal physician and ask him or her what to do next. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Ask your personal physician to tell you the correct dose of Mesulid that you should take in during your treatment with it. You must not alter the dose that he or she prescribes you in any way without your doctor’s approval.

Mesulid side effects

Nimesulide is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse effects are epigastric discomfort, heartburn or abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These effects are usually mild, transient, and rarely require treatment withdrawal. Occasionally, skin rash, pruritus, edema, headache, dizziness, drowsiness and increases in liver enzymes have been reported.

Precautions

Studies in the elderly have not indicated a need to alter the usual dose. However, because the elderly may be more susceptible to adverse effects, a reduced dosage may be appropriate in isolated cases. Elderly patients should always be supervised closely for the appearance of symptoms and changes in laboratory values suggestive of renal or hepatic impairment.

Drug interactions

Nimesulide should not be used concurrently with known hepatotoxins (such as anti-convulsants (eg, valproic acid), anti-fungals (eg, ketoconazole), anti-tuberculous drugs (eg, isoniazid), tacrine, pemoline, amiodarone, methotrexate, methyldopa, etc) or with alcohol. Since all NSAIDs are potentially hepatotoxic, nimesulide should not be used concurrently with other NSAIDs. Nimesulide should not be used concurrently or within 8 weeks of administration of amoxycillin/clavulanic acid (eg, Augmentin) (see Contraindications). OTC preparations containing NSAIDs or aspirin/paracetamol (high dose) and certain herbal/nutraceutical preparations may also be potentially hepatotoxic and should likewise be avoided during nimesulide therapy.

Preganacy

It is not known whether a treatment with this medicine could harm a growing fetus. It is highly recommended that you should ask for your personal physician’s approval before you start taking Mesulid if you are currently pregnant (or if you are planning to be so soon). It has not been clearly determined whether this medicine’s main ingredients are able to pass into breastmilk. Ask your personal physician if you may (if it is safe to) start taking this medicine if you are currently breastfeeding an infant.

Overdose

A few cases of attempted overdose have been reported without signs of intoxication. Reported symptoms following overdose with other NSAIDs generally reflect the gastrointestinal, renal and CNS toxicities of NSAIDs. Should a patient ingest a large quantity of nimesulide, initiate symptomatic treatment including gastric lavage and restoration of water and electrolyte balance.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Mesulid. If you have any other questions about Mesulid, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.