Introduction
Novalgin® is a drug that is used to treat severe pain and fever. It is also used for cramp-like pain, especially colic of the bile and urinary tract. It can also be used for tumor pain. Although the mode of action of Novalgin® is still relatively unknown, it is frequently used in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Mode of action of Novalgin
The sensation of pain serves the human being as a vital protective and warning system. If injuries have occurred on the body, the concentration of certain messenger substances, the so-called prostaglandins, increases strongly in the tissue there. These prostaglandins then dock to certain receptors and thus transmit the signal of the pain stimulus to the brain.
In the brain, the stimulus is then processed and perceived as pain and made conscious to the person. The exact mechanism of action of Novalgin® is not yet fully understood. So far, it is known that the active ingredient of Novalgin® (metamizole) reversibly and unselectively inhibits enzyme cyclooxygenase (Cox for short).
It is therefore effective against pain, especially cramp-like pain such as that caused by biliary or urinary tract colic caused by gallstones or urinary stones. After conversion into its active form, the active ingredient in the drug Novalgin® inhibits the production of messenger substances (prostaglandins) in the body by inhibiting cyclooxygenases and thus intervenes to correct the pain right at the start of its transmission. Novalgin® mainly inhibits the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord (CNS – central nervous system).
This prevents the formation of pain and thus the perception of pain. In addition, Novalgin® also has a fever-reducing effect by influencing the central temperature regulation in the brain. In addition, Novalgin® can relieve cramps (spasmolysis), presumably by inhibiting the transmission of the stimulus to the smooth musculature (e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract, uterus, urinary tract).
Novalgin® belongs to the group of non-acidic non-steroidal painkillers (NSA). In contrast to acidic non-steroidal analgesics such as ASA, ibuprofen or diclofenac, non-acidic analgesics such as Novalgin® lack the typical side effects of Cox inhibition. It has no anti-inflammatory effect.
This is explained by the fact that the non-acidic active ingredients do not penetrate into the inflammatory areas. An acidic pH value prevails in inflammation areas. The advantages, however, are the lack of inhibition of platelet aggregation (thrombocyte aggregation).
They therefore do not interfere with the coagulation system. Novalgin® does not damage the stomach lining or kidney function, or only in very high doses. The antispasmodic effect is attributed to the inhibition of certain membrane channels (ATP-dependent potassium channels). A weakened influx of calcium into the smooth muscle cells is also suspected.
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