Novaminsulfone is a non-opioid analgesic that is also known as metamizole or under the trade name Novalgin
is known. Novaminsulfone has both an analgesic and an antipyretic as well as mild anti-inflammatory effect. The analgesic is usually used as a so-called reserve medication – it is administered when other drugs do not work. When taking, however, the sometimes serious side effects of novaminsulfone, whose frequency of occurrence, however, is disputed, must be taken into account.
How novaminsulfone works
Unlike opioid pain relievers, non-opioid pain relievers such as novaminsulfone do not exert their effects at opioid receptors. Instead, their effects come from the suppression of pain-triggering biochemical processes.
Within the non-opioid analgesics, novalminsulfone belongs to the group of non-acidic analgesics. Exactly how the active ingredients in this group, including novalminsulfone, work has not yet been conclusively clarified. However, it is assumed that novaminsulfone inhibits the formation of prostaglandins – a group of tissue hormones. As messenger substances, they are significantly involved in the process of pain mediation.
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When is novaminsulfone used?
The active ingredient novaminsulfone is used to treat the following conditions due to its analgesic and antipyretic effects:
- Moderate and severe pain
- Acute as well as chronic pain, such as tumor pain
- High fever (only under the condition that other drugs do not respond).
Unlike most other non-opioid analgesics, novaminsulfone also has an antispasmodic effect. That is why it can be used for pain relief in colic of the biliary tract or urinary tract.
5 Facts about novaminsulfone – rawpixel
Dosage of novaminsulfone
Novaminsulfone or Novalgin, respectively.
is available in the form of drops, tablets, and suppositories, as well as a solution for injection. The dosage of Novaminsulfon depends on the existing complaints and is to be always clarified with the treating physician. In cases of high fever or chronic pain, single doses of 500 milligrams or 1000 milligrams are recommended.
Depending on the method of administration, the effect of novaminsulfone sets in about 30 to 60 minutes after administration. If novaminsulfone is taken orally and at the same time as food, this may result in a delayed onset of action.
Novaminsulfone: contraindications
Novaminsulfone, for example, in the form of Novalgin.
, should not be taken if there is an intolerance to the active ingredient. Novaminsulfone should also not be used if there is a disorder in the production of red blood pigment.
Similarly, novaminsulfone should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, or in infants under three months of age.
Children under ten years of age should be given novaminsulfone only in consultation with a physician and in the form of suppositories, not tablets. Suppositories containing 300 milligrams should be given only to children four years of age and older, and suppositories containing 1000 milligrams should be given only to adolescents 15 years of age and older.
Similarly, novamine sulfone should be avoided in certain medical conditions. These include acute hepatic porphyria (liver dysfunction) and deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Individuals who have low blood pressure should not be given novaminsulfone intravenously, as this can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.
Drug interactions with novaminsulfone
Interactions occur primarily with medications containing the active ingredient ciclosporin, as novaminsulfone lowers ciclosporin levels. In addition, novaminsulfone may also weaken the effectiveness of diuretics.
Similarly, concomitant use of novaminsulfone and the active ingredient chlorpromazine, which is used to treat psychotic disorders, may result in a significant drop in body temperature.