Metamizole - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Information about Metamizole

Generic Name : Metamizole
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Metamizole are provided here.

Pronunciation : Met-ami-zole

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Metamizole, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Analgesic And Antipyretic Agent

Trade Names/Brand Names of Metamizole

India :

Overview of Metamizole

• Metamizole is also known as dipyrone.
• It has analgesic properties.
• Metamizole is used for the treatment of postoperative pain and other painful conditions.

Why is Metamizole Prescribed? (Indications)

Metamizole is a painkiller used for the treatment of fever, headache, toothache, postoperative pain and other painful conditions.
It belongs to the group non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
It has been banned in several countries including the United States and India due to its ability to reduce white blood cell counts and cause a condition called agranulocytosis.

When should Metamizole not be taken? (Contraindications)

Metamizole should not be used by patients with:

• Allergy to the drug or other NSAIDs
• Liver or kidney problems
• Low blood counts
• Stomach ulcer
• Acute intermittent porphyria
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Asthma, optic neuritis, myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, enlarged prostate

It should also not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children and the elderly.

What is the dosage of Metamizole?

• The recommended oral adult dose for metamizole is 500 mg 3-4 times up to a maximum dose of 4000 mg/day.
• The injection is administered in a dose of 250-500 mg three times a day up to a maximum daily dose of 2g in adults into a muscle or a vein.

How should Metamizole be taken?

• The tablet should be administered orally with food.
• The intravenous dose should be administered through a slow infusion into a vein.

What are the side effects of Metamizole?

Blood: Reduced white blood cell counts (agranulocytosis), reduced red blood cell counts due to reduced production of the cells (aplastic anemia). May trigger acute porphyria
Skin: Severe skin reactions like toxic epidermal necrolysis
Kidney: Kidney damage
Cardiovascular system: Low blood pressure
Others: Allergic reaction which may include a rash, low blood pressure, and breathing difficulty

What are the other precautions for Metamizole?

• Patients allergic to soy or peanut should not take the medication.
• It should not be taken with alcohol.

What are the Drug Interactions of Metamizole?

• Metamizole may increase the effect of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
• It may interact with anti-hypertensive drugs causing low blood pressure.
• It may alter the effects of penicillin, sulfonamides, corticosteroids and anti-diabetes drugs.
• It may reduce the effect of cyclosporine.
• Sedatives and hypnotics may increase the blood levels of metamizole.

What are the storage conditions for Metamizole?

• Metamizole should be stored below 25°C.