Nimesulide is a medicine used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In the past, it was commonly prescribed in India for body pain, toothache, joint pain, and high fever. However, over the years, serious safety concerns—especially related to liver damage—have changed how this medicine is viewed and regulated.
Is Nimesulide Completely Banned in India?
Nimesulide is not completely banned for all human use in India. However, the government has banned high-dose oral tablets, particularly those containing more than 100 mg in immediate-release form.
Lower-dose tablets may still be prescribed, but only for short-term use under a doctor’s supervision. The restriction aims to reduce health risks caused by misuse and overuse.
Why Is Nimesulide Harmful to the Liver?
Nimesulide is known to be toxic to the liver in some people, even when taken for a short time. The liver breaks down medicines in the body, and nimesulide produces by-products that can damage liver cells.
This liver damage can happen because:
- The drug interferes with normal liver enzyme function
- Toxic substances build up during metabolism
- Some people are genetically more sensitive to the drug
In rare but serious cases, nimesulide has caused:
- Acute hepatitis
- Liver failure
- Permanent liver damage
The risk increases with high doses, repeated use, or self-medication without medical advice.
Can Nimesulide Be Taken Daily?
No, nimesulide should not be taken daily.
This medicine is meant only for short-term relief, usually for a few days. Daily or long-term use greatly increases the risk of:
- Liver injury
- Kidney damage
- Stomach bleeding
If pain or fever continues for many days, doctors usually recommend safer alternatives rather than continuing nimesulide.
Is Nimesulide Allowed for Children?
No. Nimesulide is not allowed for children.
Its use in children below 12 years of age is prohibited due to a higher risk of liver toxicity. Children’s livers are more sensitive, and even small doses can cause serious harm. Safer medicines are available for treating pain and fever in children, so nimesulide is avoided completely in pediatric use.
Why Was Nimesulide Used in India for So Long?
Nimesulide was approved many years ago when safety standards were less strict. It became popular because it worked fast and was easily available. Over time, as better research and safety monitoring became available, the harmful effects became clearer. This led to gradual restrictions and the recent ban on high-dose tablets.
Countries Where Nimesulide Is Banned or Not Approved
Nimesulide is banned, withdrawn, or never approved in many countries due to safety concerns, especially liver damage. These include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Finland
- Spain
- Ireland
- Belgium
Health authorities in these countries decided that the risks outweighed the benefits, especially since safer painkillers exist.
Side Effects of Nimesulide
Possible side effects include:
- Liver damage and jaundice
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain and acidity
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes and allergic reactions
- Kidney problems
- Internal bleeding in severe cases
People with liver disease, kidney disease, or alcohol dependency are at higher risk.
Is Nimesulide Used for Animals?
No. Nimesulide is completely banned for veterinary use in India.
When animals treated with nimesulide died, vultures feeding on their carcasses suffered kidney failure and died in large numbers. To protect wildlife and the environment, veterinary use was permanently stopped.
Conclusion
Nimesulide is no longer considered a safe everyday medicine. High-dose tablets are banned in India, daily use is unsafe, and it is not allowed for children or animals. While limited use may still be permitted under strict medical supervision, safer alternatives are generally preferred. Self-medication should always be avoided.
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