Govt issues alert on common painkiller drug Nimesulide: Here’s all you need to know

Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, on the right way to use painkillers

Nimesulide is not advised for those who have blood coagulation issues, for children, pregnant women or nursing mothers. (Representational image/File)

As the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert over the use of the anti-inflammatory drug Nimesulide, saying it can trigger rashes on the skin, does that mean you should be wary about taking this pain medication?

According to the IPC, the drug is used in inflammatory conditions, including joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic and post-operative painful conditions and fever, as well as in acute pain in orthopaedic, ENT and dental conditions. But since its use can cause “fixed drug eruption” or skin rashes in specific parts of the body, it asked consumers and healthcare professionals to closely monitor such cases and report any adverse reaction to the National Coordination Centre-Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. Of course, the rashes are not contagious. What does this then mean for its use, particularly when we have fever?

What is Nimesulide?

This medication helps in relieving pain, inflammation and swelling by lowering chemical substances in the body that cause them. That’s why it is prescribed for pain caused by fever, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis or similar conditions. This drug belongs to the NSAID class (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Does Nimesulide cause rashes and adverse effects?

Such instances are rare. Says Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, “Nimesulide is an effective drug for fever provided you don’t pop it at will and use it only after consulting your doctor who recommends a safe dosage. Your doctor will also decide if it is meant for you, depending on your existing health conditions and other medication that you might be on to avoid reactions. Besides, all painkillers can cause side effects like skin rash, nausea, vomitting, diarrhoea and elevated liver enzymes. Side effects are rare but extreme allergic reactions have been known to cause anaphylactic shocks when your immune system releases chemicals in a gush that causes blood pressure to drop suddenly or make you breathless. That’s why these drugs should be taken only on the advice of your doctor.”

How do you know that you could be allergic to Nimesulide?

You must tell your doctor about other drug allergies you might have had in the past. “If you are already on medication for chronic conditions, or have kidney, liver or heart disease, let your doctor know of these conditions,” advises Dr Tickoo.

How to take Nimesulide tablets?

Remember it is for pain relief. “So it is meant for short-term use. You cannot have it for a prolonged period of time. Go strictly by the doctor’s advice on this and discontinue when he asks you to. Take it after having some food. If pain persists, don’t get impatient but consult your doctor, ” says Dr Tickoo.

Who should not take Nimesulide?

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Nimesulide is not advised for those who have blood coagulation issues, for children, pregnant women or nursing mothers. Its use should be avoided in patients with a history of stomach ulcers, heart failure and with underlying liver and kidney conditions.

What to do if there is a reaction?

While reactions have been extremely rare, they would show up in the first few days itself. “Consult your doctor if anything seems off,” says Dr Tickoo.

Was Nimesulide ever banned?

The drug was banned in 2000 in various countries like Switzerland, Spain and the US. In India, it is still used for adults but not recommended for children since 2011.