Anti-inflammatory activity of topical nimesulide gel in various experimental models.
OBJECTIVE
The anti-inflammatory activity of topically applied nimesulide gel was compared in different experimental models with that of diclofenac and piroxicam gels.


METHODS
Wistar albino rats of either sex were used.


METHODS
In acute models, 50 mg of nimesulide or diclofenac were applied to right hind paws 1 h (carrageenan) or immediately before (formalin) irritant injection (sub-plantar). In adjuvant arthritis, 50 mg of nimesulide, diclofenac or piroxicam were applied daily to injected paws for 14 days.


METHODS
Paw volume was measured by plethysmograph. Statistical significance was tested with Student's t-test.


RESULTS
In the carrageenan paw odema, topical nimesulide gel exhibited similar anti-inflammatory activity to diclofenac gel, and was more effective than diclofenac gel in formalin-paw odema. In both acute (18 h) and chronic (14 d) phases of adjuvant arthritis, nimesulide gel was more effective than diclofenac or piroxicam gels.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical nimesulide gel possesses higher anti-inflammatory activity than that of diclofenac or piroxicam gels.
Gupta
S K
SK
Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
Prakash
J
J
Awor
L
L
Joshi
S
S
Velpandian
T
T
Sengupta
S
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D008297:Male; D010894:Piroxicam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005782:Gels; D013449:Sulfonamides; D010894:Piroxicam; D004008:Diclofenac; C012655:nimesulide