Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Most Common Nimesulide Side Effects?

Jay Leone
Jay Leone

Nimesulide can affect the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and many other parts of the body. This medication belongs to a class of drugs referred to as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Some of the more commonly experienced nimesulide side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, and itching. Improper dosing and preexisting conditions can increase the likelihood of nimesulide leading to side effects. Many countries across the globe have banned this medication because of its link with liver toxicity.

Doctors prescribe nimesulide to treat several different conditions. It is only prescribed when the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the possible nimesulide side effects. It is often recommended to treat osteoarthritis, fever, back pain, and other painful inflammatory conditions. Nimesulide is also used to treat dysmenorrhea in adults and children over twelve years old.

Abdominal cramps are a common side effect of nimesulide.
Abdominal cramps are a common side effect of nimesulide.

Patients may experience a few gastrointestinal side effects while taking this medication, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting can accompany nimesulide use. Abdominal cramps and general abdominal discomfort are other common gastrointestinal side effects that patients may experience while taking this medication.

Nimesulide side effects can directly affect the central nervous system. Common side effects that affect the central nervous system include dizziness, headaches, and drowsiness. Blood in the urine, a decrease in urination frequency, and kidney failure are possible genitourinary side effects of nimesulide. Skin rashes are other side effects linked with this NSAID.

Dizziness and headaches are two side effects that are sometimes associated with nimesulide.
Dizziness and headaches are two side effects that are sometimes associated with nimesulide.

Taking more of this medication than recommended increases the risk of experiencing side effects. The average nimesulide dose is 100 milligrams taken twice daily. Children should be given five milligrams nimesulide per kilogram of body weight divided into two or three doses and taken throughout the day.

Patients suffering from certain conditions, such as liver disease, bleeding disorders, and kidney disease should not take this medication. Taking this medication while suffering from any of these conditions increases the risk of side effects. The elderly and people with ulcers are more likely to experience negative side effects while taking this medication. Experiencing nimesulide side effects is also more likely in patients with histories of high blood pressure, fluid retention, and stomach problems.

Nimesulide is sometimes used to alleviate pain that stems from osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Nimesulide is sometimes used to alleviate pain that stems from osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

Several studies tied nimesulide use with rare incidents of liver toxicity. Such studies have prompted many countries to ban the medication. Canada, Denmark, Japan, Sweden, and the United States are just a few of the over 170 countries across the globe that have banned this medication.

Discussion Comments

discographer

Nimesulide is not sold in the US. It has never even been marketed. It's mostly available in developing nations. Most countries have banned or restricted its use in one way or another. After a series of legal disputes about nimesulide, India recently joined the list of countries banning the drug because it causes liver failure.

I think nimesulide needs to be banned worldwide as soon as possible. It's unbelievable that it is still available in some countries considering the very serious risks it carries for the kidneys and liver. We've got two kidneys but only one liver and liver failure means death unless a successful liver transplant takes place.

burcinc

@Rundocuri-- That's right. NSAIDs are also known for causing stomach ulcers for much the same reasons. They increase stomach acidity and affect the protective lining of the stomach. That's why it's not a good idea to take NSAIDs regularly for long periods of time or in high doses. You are right that it helps to take it with food (and milk too preferably) but even this may not be enough to prevent ulcers if the medication is used everyday for weeks.

NSAIDs are meant to be temporary treatments, one should not rely on them for long-term treatment.

Rundocuri

Many drugs in the NSAID family cause stomach discomfort. The best way to avoid digestive side effects is to never take any NSAIDs on an empty stomach.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Abdominal cramps are a common side effect of nimesulide.
      By: ruigsantos
      Abdominal cramps are a common side effect of nimesulide.
    • Dizziness and headaches are two side effects that are sometimes associated with nimesulide.
      By: memo
      Dizziness and headaches are two side effects that are sometimes associated with nimesulide.
    • Nimesulide is sometimes used to alleviate pain that stems from osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Nimesulide is sometimes used to alleviate pain that stems from osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
    • Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the more common side effects of nimesulide.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the more common side effects of nimesulide.
    • Nimesulide may be used to treat fever.
      By: Lucky Dragon USA
      Nimesulide may be used to treat fever.
    • Nimesulide side effects are more likely in patients with histories of high blood pressure.
      By: Rido
      Nimesulide side effects are more likely in patients with histories of high blood pressure.
    • Nimesulide side effects may include drowsiness.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Nimesulide side effects may include drowsiness.
    • Nimesulide is only prescribed when the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the possible side effects.
      By: Alliance
      Nimesulide is only prescribed when the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the possible side effects.
    • Liver toxicity may occur as a side effect of nimesulide.
      By: decade3d
      Liver toxicity may occur as a side effect of nimesulide.
    • The elderly are more likely to experience negative side effects of nimesulide.
      By: gwimages
      The elderly are more likely to experience negative side effects of nimesulide.