Antipyrin

Antipyrin

Antipyrin, also known as phenazone, is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agent. It was one of the first synthetic drugs used for pain relief and fever reduction. Antipyrin was discovered in 1883 by the German chemist Ludwig Knorr.

History

Antipyrin was synthesized in the late 19th century and quickly became popular due to its effectiveness in reducing fever and alleviating pain. It was one of the first drugs to be mass-produced and marketed, marking a significant advancement in pharmaceutical chemistry.

Chemical Structure

Antipyrin is a pyrazolone derivative with the chemical formula C₁₁H₁₂N₂O. Its structure consists of a pyrazolone ring, which is a five-membered lactam ring containing two nitrogen atoms.

Mechanism of Action

Antipyrin works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, antipyrin helps to alleviate these symptoms.

Clinical Uses

Antipyrin was historically used to treat:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Toothache

However, its use has declined with the development of newer analgesics and antipyretics, such as aspirin and paracetamol.

Side Effects

Common side effects of antipyrin include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Allergic reactions

In rare cases, it can cause more severe reactions such as agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a decrease in white blood cells.

Current Status

Antipyrin is not commonly used today due to the availability of safer and more effective alternatives. However, it is still of historical interest and is occasionally used in certain ear preparations for its analgesic properties.

Also see

• Analgesic
• Antipyretic
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Cyclooxygenase

CaptionSynonyms

Antipyrin

Drug Information
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Identifiers		Chemical Data