Metamizole

Metamizole or dipyrone is a painkiller, spasm reliever and fever reliever. Like paracetamol, it has minimal anti-inflammatory effects. It is most commonly given by mouth or by injection.

Medical uses

Metamizole is used to treat severe pain (including postoperative pain, cancer pain and migraine) and in fever when other drugs are ineffective or contraindicated.

Side effects

The most common side effects of metamizole are nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain. Rare but serious side effects include agranulocytosis and anaphylaxis.

Pharmacology

Metamizole is a prodrug. It is broken down in the body to the active metabolites 4-methylaminoantipyrine and 4-aminoantipyrine. The exact mechanism of action is unclear, but it is thought to involve inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX).

History

Metamizole was first synthesized by the German company Hoechst AG in 1920 and sold under the brand name "Novalgin". For many years, it was available over-the-counter in many countries, until it was banned in many countries due to the risk of agranulocytosis.

Society and culture

In countries where the drug is still available, it is used for treatment of acute pain and fever. In some countries, it is available over-the-counter, while in others it is prescription-only.

See also

• Analgesic
• Antipyretic
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

References

Metamizole Resources
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