The Union Health Ministry has banned oral nimesulide tablets with doses above 100mg in immediate release form. A senior Ministry official clarified that doses below 100mg, sustained or extended release types, and non-oral forms like gels or suppositories are not banned. Nimesulide is an NSAID used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is prescribed mainly for short-term use as a second option when other drugs fail, due to possible liver toxicity risks. The Health Ministry’s official notification says the drug's manufacture, sale, and distribution in high immediate release doses pose serious health risks. "The Central government is satisfied that the use of all oral formulations containing Nimesulide above 100mg in immediate release dosage form is likely to involve risk to human beings and that safer alternatives to the said drug are available," the notification states. It cites Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board as the basis for this ban, which takes effect immediately. Nimesulide was first approved in Italy in 1985 and is present in over 50 countries. The Drug Controller General of India approved it in 1995. It is commonly used for acute pain, painful osteoarthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, fever, tendonitis, and dental pain in persons older than 12 years. Fixed-drug combinations with nimesulide have also become popular due to better effectiveness, safety, and patient compliance. However, the government has chosen caution amid safety concerns for higher dose immediate release tablets.