What is Metamizole used for?

Metamizole (dipyrone) is a pain reliever that’s also used to treat muscle spasms and fever. It is not approved for use in the United States.

Metamizole is widely used in many other countries, including Mexico, countries of the European Union and South America where it is approved for use in people and animals. It is available by prescription or as an over-the-counter product, depending on the country.

Comparable drugs available in the U.S. include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Metamizole works in a similar way as NSAIDs, but is not classified as an NSAID. Metamizole is from the ampyrone sulfonate family of medicines.

Metamizole Dosage

The typical adult dosage of dipyrone is 500 mg to 1,000 mg by mouth, taken 2 to 3 times daily. It is also available for intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) or rectal administration. The European Medicines Agency recommends setting the following maximum dosage amounts in people ages 15 and older:

• A single dose by mouth of 1,000 mg taken up to 4 times daily (max daily dose of 4,000 mg)
• If given by injection, the total daily dose should not be more than 5,000 mg.

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Metamizole Uses

Common uses of metamizole include treating pain that:

• Happens after surgery
• Occurs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• Is from cancer
• Comes with migraine headache

Metamizole Side Effects

Common metamizole side effects include:

• Low blood pressure
• Chest pain and arrhythmias
• Nausea and upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Kidney problems
• Shortness of breath
• Rash

Rare, but serious side effects include:

• Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Blood disorders

Metamizole is banned in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and parts of Europe. The reason is that metamizole was found to cause agranulocytosis (a life-threatening blood disorder).