Nimesulide-induced acute hepatitis

Abstract

SUMMARY
Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with
a semiselective preferential inhibition of cyclooxygenase-
2. We present a 57 year-old patient with jaundice and
increased serum aminotransferases levels, who had been
treated with nimesulide for the previous 10 days. Laboratory
examinations excluded other causes of acute liver injury.
Liver biopsy revealed lesions compatible with drug-induced
hepatotoxicity. Bilirubin and liver enzymes returned to
normal within three months of nimesulide disccutinuation.
In conclusion, use of nimesulide should be included among
the causes of acute hepatitis. An established drugassociated
hepatotoxicity will result in the immediate
withdrawal of the drug in case of liver injury and the
avoidance of its future use in certain individuals.
Key words: nimesulide, drug-induced hepatoxicity, hepatitis.