See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Cordran
Cordran SP is a prescription medication that belongs to the non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. Its active ingredient is nimesulide, a selective cyclo‑oxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) inhibitor that provides pain relief and anti‑inflammatory effects.
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1. What is Cordran SP used for?
| Condition | Typical purpose of use |
|-----------|------------------------|
| Acute pain (e.g., dental, musculoskeletal, postoperative) | Pain relief & inflammation reduction |
| Rheumatic disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis) | Symptom control, especially in the short term |
| Musculoskeletal injuries | Reduce swelling & discomfort |
Important: It is generally prescribed for short‑term relief (usually ≤ 15 days) because of its known hepatic safety concerns.
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2. How is it taken?
| Form | Typical dose (adult) | Maximum daily dose | Frequency | Notes |
|------|----------------------|--------------------|-----------|-------|
| 100 mg tablets | 1–2 tablets, 3 times a day | 600 mg/day | Every 8 hours | Take with food or milk to reduce GI upset |
| 100 mg/200 mg tablets (if available) | 1–2 tablets (or 1 tablet + 1/2 tablet) | 600 mg/day | Every 8 hours | Adjust if liver function tests rise |
- Start low, go slow: Many clinicians begin at the lower end of the dose range.
- Avoid prolonged use: Do not exceed 15 days unless a doctor specifically prescribes it.
- Hydration: Adequate fluid intake helps protect kidneys and GI tract.
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3. Who should NOT take Cordran SP?
| Patient group | Reason |
|---------------|--------|
| Liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis) | Nimesulide is hepatotoxic at higher exposure. |
| Kidney impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) | Reduced clearance can raise drug levels. |
| Pregnancy (especially 3rd trimester) | Limited safety data; risk to fetus. |
| Breastfeeding | Excretion into milk is possible; generally avoided. |
| Peptic ulcer disease / GI bleeding | Even though COX‑2 selective, still a GI risk. |
| Known hypersensitivity to nimesulide or other NSAIDs. |
| Concurrent use of other hepatotoxic drugs | Risk of additive liver injury. |
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4. Common side effects
| System | Typical adverse effect | Frequency (est.) |
|--------|------------------------|-----------------|
| Gastrointestinal | Nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, mild gastric irritation | 5–15 % |
| Hepatic | Elevated ALT/AST, jaundice in rare cases | <1 % (severe) |
| Renal | Reduced creatinine clearance, especially in elderly | 1–3 % |
| Cardiovascular | Mild BP rise, rarely hypertension | <1 % |
| Central nervous system | Headache, dizziness | 2–10 % |
What to do: If you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea, or unusual fatigue, contact your healthcare provider right away.
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5. Drug interactions
| Drug class | Interaction | Clinical implication |
|------------|-------------|---------------------|
| Other NSAIDs | Additive GI and renal toxicity | Avoid concurrent use |
| Warfarin | ↑ INR, increased bleeding risk | Monitor INR closely |
| Corticosteroids | ↑ GI bleeding & gastric ulceration | Use proton‑pump inhibitor if needed |
| ACE inhibitors / ARBs | Possible kidney injury (renal function worsens) | Monitor renal markers |
| Antihypertensives (e.g., diuretics) | ↓ BP‑lowering effect | Check BP regularly |
| Antidiabetic drugs | ↑ blood glucose (due to steroid‑like effects) | Monitor blood sugar |
| Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., acetaminophen, certain antibiotics) | Synergistic liver injury | Reduce or avoid combination |
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6. How to store Cordran SP
- Keep in the original container, tightly closed.
- Store at room temperature (15–25 °C), away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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7. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Short answer |
|----------|--------------|
| Can I take Cordran SP with alcohol? | Alcohol can increase the risk of GI upset and liver damage. It is best to avoid alcohol while on this medication. |
| Is it safe for my elderly mother who has mild liver issues? | Nimesulide is generally avoided in patients with any liver impairment. A healthcare professional should evaluate her risk. |
| Can I take it if I’m on a low‑dose aspirin for heart protection? | Combining with aspirin increases bleeding risk. Discuss with your doctor; you might need a different NSAID or adjust doses. |
| How quickly does it work? | Analgesic effect can be seen within 30–60 minutes after ingestion. Anti‑inflammatory action may take a few days of continuous use. |
| What happens if I miss a dose? | Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double up. |
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8. Bottom line
- Cordran SP (nimesulide) is a potent, selective COX‑2 inhibitor for short‑term pain and inflammation control.
- Safety is paramount: Avoid in liver disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or long‑term use. Monitor liver enzymes if you need extended therapy.
- Always discuss with your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose, especially if you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
If you have any doubts or experience unusual symptoms while taking Cordran SP, seek medical advice promptly.