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Metamizole (also called pyralginine), being chemically a salt of phenyldimethylpyrazolonomethylaminometasulfonic acid, is a derivative of pyrazolone. This substance is an almost white, crystalline powder and is characterized by good solubility in water and methyl alcohol. Metamizole belongs to the first, lowest level of the three-step analgesic ladder, and as a result, it is a non-steroidal drug with a moderate antipyretic and analgesic effect, as well as a preparation that slightly relaxes the muscles. By acting in the central and peripheral nervous system, metamizole inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which plays a key role in the inflammatory process.
Metamizol – application
Metamizol sodowy, being a component of drugs available under many trade names (such as Pyralgina, Re-algin, Novalgin, Dipyrone, Noramidopyrine), has emerged as a safer alternative to aminophenazone, which causes bone marrow damage, agranulocytosis and allergic reactions. Metamizol It is sometimes used to support the treatment of inflammatory symptoms such as pain, fever and spastic visceral pain.
Metamizole – contraindications
A contraindication for use metamizolu is hypersensitive to any component of the preparation, other pyrazolone derivatives or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially manifested by angioedema, urticaria, rhinitis, changes in the blood count (leukopenia, agranulocytosis, anemia). In addition, the preparation should not be used when there is:
- change in the blood count (agranulocytosis, leukopenia, anemia),
- acute renal or hepatic failure,
- acute hepatic porphyria,
- asthma caused or exacerbated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- congenital deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase,
- pregnancy, breastfeeding,
- combination with other pyrazolone derivatives.
Metamizole – side effects
All pyrazolone derivatives, incl sodium metamizole, as a side effect when taking them, the occurrence of agranulocytosis, i.e. a state of significant reduction in the number of granulocytes, which include neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. These cells are mainly responsible for the body’s defensive abilities. A large reduction in their number is a condition of immediate life-threatening, most often due to the possibility of a systemic inflammatory reaction (sepsis or sepsis).
All possible side effects are described in the package leaflet.