Introduction
Novalgin® is a strong pain reliever containing the active ingredient metamizole. This active ingredient is also known under the name Novaminsulfone. In addition to its analgesic properties, Novalgin® is also antipyretic.
It is used for a wide range of aches and pains such as headaches, tumor pain or colicky pain. Novalgin® is a prodrug, i.e. it must first be converted into the active, effective substance in the body for its effect. This happens partly already in the gastrointestinal tract, but mostly in the liver. Novalgin® is mainly excreted via the kidneys and urine, but a small part is also excreted via the liver and stool. Since Novalgin® can cause severe side effects, it should not be taken for more than one week.
Novalgin® and alcohol – Interactions
As described above, Novalgin® is a prodrug which first has to be converted in the liver into the active substance 4-N- methylaminoantipyrine. Only then does it have a pain and fever reducing effect. Since alcohol is also broken down and metabolized in the liver after absorption into the body, interaction between Novalgin® and alcohol can occur.
This can lead to alcohol intolerance syndrome, for example. Even the smallest amounts of alcohol under a Novalgin® therapy cause eye tears, sneezing and a strong reddening of the face. Such an alcohol intolerance can also be a sign of painkiller intolerance and should therefore always be discussed with the treated physician.
Caution is advised if an alcohol intolerance is already known, then the risk of developing the alcohol intolerance syndrome in connection with Novalgin® is particularly high. In this case, a physician should be consulted about switching to another pain medication. Besides the interactions with alcohol Novalgin® has other serious side effects that may occur during the therapy.
The worst side effect is the strong decrease of a subtype of white blood cells, the granulocytes. The clinical picture is also called agranulocytosis. The granulocytes are broken down by the body’s immune system and symptoms such as fever and a general feeling of illness occur.
Later, the cells of the skin and mucous membranes die. When Novalgin® is administered as an infusion, care must be taken to ensure that the infusion is given slowly, otherwise there is an increased risk of circulatory shock. Furthermore, vomiting and nausea may occur during Novalgin® therapy.
