Metamizole

Metamizole for pain, fever and cramps.

Metamizol is also used under the name Novaminsulfon and is one of the most powerful pain relievers that can fight high fever and cramps at the same time.

Metamizole is present in the drug as a salt (metamizole sodium). It is readily soluble in water and can therefore also be given via infusion in acute illnesses. Metamizole is also available in drop, suppository and tablet form.

Mode of action

Pain is part of the protection and warning system that the body needs to survive. The concentration of messenger substances (Prostaglandins) increases with injuries in the tissue. These messenger substances then bind to certain receptors and thus pass the pain stimulus on to the nervous system. There the signals are processed and perceived as pain.

Metamizole sodium is then converted into the active form in the body and can then inhibit the production of certain prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord (CNS), thus preventing both pain development and pain perception.

Metamizole has an antipyretic effect by affecting the temperature regulation center in the brain.

Metamizole, on the other hand, can solve cramps by presumably inhibiting the transmission of stimuli to smooth muscles (gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, uterus).

If metamizole is taken orally (via the mouth) in the form of drops or tablets, the active ingredient is converted in the intestine in order to be able to develop its full effect in the blood. Metamizole reaches its maximum strength about one and a half hours after ingestion. Metamizole is then metabolized via the liver and ultimately excreted in the urine via the kidneys.
When metamizole sodium is given by infusion, the drug works immediately. Metabolism and excretion take place as with oral intake via the liver and kidneys.

application areas

Metamizole is used in

  • severe pain (incl. Tumor pain)
  • Gastrointestinal cramps
  • Cramps in the urinary tract
  • high fever

How to use

As an infusion or orally, an Dose of 0.5 - 1g per day used. If the need arises, the dose can be increased up to 4g per day increase.
It is important that children or patients with kidney or liver damage have a Dose reduction must be observed!

Metamizole is available as drops, Suppositories, Tablets and Infusion solution.

If the infusion is selected as the type of application, it must be ensured that the administration not too fast takes place as it then too Shock can come.

Side effects

Metamizol® is generally considered to be well tolerated, however, as with all drugs, some side effects are known, which are listed here:

  • allergic reaction of the skin
  • Drop in blood pressure (Hypotension)
  • severe lack of certain white blood cells (Granulocytes) With fever, inflammatory mucosal changes and Sore throat

Contraindications

Metamizole must not be used Asthma patients should be used, as this leads to a triggering of Asthma attacks can come.
Likewise, patients with a certain enzyme deficiency (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) or patients with Bone marrow dysfunction no metamizole received.

Interactions

If ciclospoprin A is taken together with metamizole, the blood concentration of the immunosuppressant can be reduced so that it can work less or not at all.

Pregnancy / lactation

Metamizole should be used during the pregnancy and Lactation not applied become. Instead it is recommended to click on better tried drugs to evade (e.g. Paracetamol for pain and fever or Ibuprofen in inflammatory diseases).

Use in children

Under 3 years or less than 5 kg body weight allowed children no metamizole as there is no sufficient experience as to whether the treatment of small children with metamizole can be carried out safely.