Products
Medicines containing propyphenazone are no longer on the market in many countries. The active ingredient used to be present in numerous painkillers and often in combination with other active ingredients such as paracetamol and caffeine. These included well-known brands such as Cibalgin, Spasmo-Cibalgin, Dialgine, Dismenol, Migraine-Kranit, Sanalgin, Saridon, Sinedal and Tonopan. As part of the “group review of analgesics” by the medicines agency IKS/Swissmedic, all medicines containing propyphenazone were withdrawn from the market or had their compositions changed.
Structure and properties
Propyphenazone (C14H18N2O, Mr = 230.3 g/mol) is a pyrazolone and an isopropyl derivative of phenazone (antipyrine). It exists as a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water.
Effects
Propyphenazone (ATC N02BB04) has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Indications
For the treatment of pain and fever of various causes.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions, mucosal lesions, shock, and dangerous blood count changes such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and methemoglobinemia.
