Recent contributions to knowledge of the mechanism of action of nimesulide.

Nimesulide is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the sulfonanilide class. Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities have been demonstrated in several widely used animal experimental models and in numerous clinical trials. Nimesulide only weakly inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and appears to exert its effects through various mechanisms. It inhibits the release of oxidants from activated neutrophils and has a scavenging effect on hypochlorous acid without affecting neutrophil function. Nimesulide also decreases histamine release from tissue mast cells and inhibits the production of platelet-activating factor by human basophils. Furthermore, when added in vitro to cultures of human articular chondrocytes, nimesulide inhibits the release of stromelysin and blocks metalloproteinase activity.