Metamizole
(Redirected from Optalgin)
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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