Nimesulida: benefícios terapêuticos e riscos associados ao uso, com ênfase na hepatotoxicidade.
Nimesulida: benefícios terapêuticos e riscos associados ao uso, com ênfase na hepatotoxicidade.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.0111126200112
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Palavras-chave: Nimesulida; benefícios terapêuticos; COX-2; hepatotoxicidade; riscos
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Keywords: Nimesulide; therapeutic benefits; COX-2; hepatotoxicity; risks
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Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the benefit/risk profile of Nimesulide. Discovered in the 1970s by organic chemist Dr. Moore and colleagues, this drug was first marketed in Italy in 1985. It has a peculiar pharmacological profile and, being a selective COX-2 inhibitor, possesses a potent analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effect. Its efficacy is even superior to other NSAIDs in reducing pain intensity. On the other hand, the literature has a consolidated discussion on hepatotoxicity and the risks involved with this drug. The first report of liver damage was recorded in the late 1990s, and since then, numerous serious cases have been reported. As a consequence, Nimesulide was withdrawn or restricted from the market in Finland, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, and it has never been approved in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada. The mechanisms involved in liver injury are not completely known, but among them are: induction of cholestasis, mitochondrial damage, and the formation of protein products. Furthermore, it was also found that liver lesions mostly affect women and have a hepatocellular pattern; moreover, a short duration of therapy does not prevent hepatotoxicity from occurring.
- Vanessa Cavalcante Gomes Rodrigues
- Eliane Campesatto