Metamizole is also used under the name novamine sulfone and is one of the strongest painkillers, which can simultaneously combat high fever and cramps. Metamizole is present in the drug as a salt (metamizole sodium). It is therefore easily soluble in water and can therefore also be administered by infusion in acute illnesses. Metamizole is also available as drops, suppositories and tablets.
Mode of action
Pain is part of the protective and warning system that the body needs to survive. The concentration of messenger substances (prostaglandins) increases in tissue when injuries occur. These messenger substances then bind to certain receptors and thus transmit the pain stimulus to the nervous system.
There the signals are processed and perceived as pain. Metamizole sodium is then converted into its 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 formation and pain perception. Metamizole reduces fever by affecting the temperature regulation center in the brain.
Cramps, on the other hand, can be relieved by Metamizole, which is believed to inhibit the transmission of stimuli to the smooth muscles (gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, uterus). If Metamizole is taken orally (via the mouth) in drop or tablet form, the active ingredient is still converted in the intestine to be able to exert its full effect in the blood. Metamizol reaches its maximum potency about one and a half hours after ingestion.
Metamizole is then metabolized in the liver and ultimately excreted in the urine via the kidneys. If Metamizole sodium is given as an infusion, the drug takes effect immediately. Metabolization and excretion takes place via the liver and kidney as with oral intake.
Fields of application
Metamizole is used for
- Severe pain (including tumor pain)
- Gastrointestinal cramps
- Cramps in the draining urinary tract
- High fever
A dose of 0.5 – 1g per day is usually used as an infusion or orally in adults. For higher requirements, the dose can be increased up to 4g per day. It is important that a dose reduction must be observed in children or patients with kidney or liver damage! Metamizole is available as drops, suppositories, tablets and infusion solution. If the infusion is chosen as the method of administration, care must be taken to ensure that the administration is not too fast, as this can lead to shock.
