Metamizole
About Metamizole
Metamizole is a prescription injection used to treat severe, sudden pain and dangerously high fever when other treatments have not worked. It is commonly prescribed for pain after surgery or injury, severe colic, and cancer-related pain. Because of its strength, it is reserved for situations where alternative therapies are not suitable or have failed to provide relief.
This medication is usually injected by a healthcare professional as a short-term treatment. Since it is given directly into a vein or muscle, its effects are felt quickly, and it does not rely on food intake to work. To support your recovery, it is helpful to stay well-hydrated, rest, and follow any specific physical guidelines provided by your care team.
While highly effective, Metamizole can cause side effects such as injection site pain or temporary dizziness. In very rare cases, it can lead to serious blood-related issues, so you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop sudden fever, chills, or a sore throat. Always consult your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms during your treatment.
Do not take this if you have bone marrow disorders, a history of severe allergic reactions to similar pain medications, or certain genetic blood conditions. Before starting this medicine, talk to your doctor if you have a history of asthma, liver or kidney problems, or heart conditions. Your doctor will carefully review your health history to ensure this is the safest option for you.
This medicine can interact with other drugs, including those that affect your blood cells or immune system. It is important to avoid alcohol while receiving this treatment to protect your liver and prevent extreme drowsiness. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment.
Uses of Metamizole
Medicinal Benefits
Using Metamizole as prescribed helps relieve severe pain and manage high fever, improving comfort and supporting recovery. Here are the key benefits you can expect:
- Provides fast pain relief: Helps quickly relieve severe pain caused by surgery, injury, cancer, or painful conditions such as colic, allowing you to rest and recover more comfortably.
- Reduces high fever: Helps lower dangerously high body temperatures when other fever-reducing medicines have not been effective.
- Suitable when oral medicines cannot be taken: As it is given by injection, it bypasses the digestive system, making it a suitable option for people who are unable to swallow tablets due to nausea, vomiting, or other medical conditions.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Metamizole is administered by the doctor or nurse.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Metamizole
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Temporary dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or dry mouth
- A temporary drop in blood pressure, making you feel warm or faint
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a sudden drop in white blood cells, such as high fever, chills, sore throat, or painful mouth ulcers
- Severe skin reactions, including blistering, peeling, or a widespread painful rash
- Difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Unusual bruising, pale skin, or bleeding from the gums or nose
Drug Warnings
- Inspect before use: Do not use the injection if the liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or contains visible floating particles.
- Administer slowly: Intravenous injections should be given slowly, as injecting the medicine too quickly may cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Watch for signs of infection: Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a sudden sore throat, fever, or other signs of infection.
- Rotate injection sites: If you are injecting this medicine at home, change the injection site regularly to help prevent tissue damage or muscle pain.
- Dispose of sharps safely: Never reuse syringes or needles. Dispose of them immediately in a puncture-resistant sharps container to help prevent injury or infection.
- Keep all blood test appointments: If you need Metamizole for repeated or prolonged treatment, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests (especially white blood cell counts) to help detect rare but serious blood disorders early.
- Report infection symptoms immediately: Stop using Metamizole and seek medical attention straight away if you develop fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers, or other signs of infection, as these may indicate a serious reduction in white blood cells.
Drug Interactions
- Cyclosporine: Metamizole may lower the level of cyclosporine in your blood, making it less effective.
- Bone marrow-suppressing medicines: Taking these medicines with Metamizole may increase the risk of severe blood disorders.
- Blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants): Metamizole may alter their effects, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Metamizole. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Metamizole. Metamizole should not be used during the first and last trimester of pregnancy. It should be used only during the second trimester if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding during treatment with Metamizole and for 48 hours after the last dose.
Driving
cautionMetamizole may impair your concentration. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Metamizole.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Metamizole.
Children
cautionThe doctor will determine the dose and method of administration based on the age, weight and disease condition of the child. It is not recommended for neonates and children below three months or 5 kg body weight as there is no scientific information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or clear broths, especially if you are using Metamizole to treat a high fever.
- Get enough rest: Prioritise rest and avoid strenuous physical activity to allow your body to recover from the injury, surgery, or illness causing your pain.
- Avoid alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine, as it can increase the risk of liver strain and make you feel excessively sleepy.
- Eat light meals: Have small, simple meals if you experience mild stomach upset or nausea after receiving your injection.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain can be generalised (overall body aches) or localised (affecting a specific area of the body). The common causes of pain include headache, muscle strain, cramps, fractures, arthritis, and injury.
FAQs
Metamizole is used to treat Pain.
Metamizole works by inhibiting the chemical messengers that cause pain. Thereby, it helps relieve pain.
Metamizole may reduce the effect of aspirin on platelet aggregation when used concomitantly. Therefore, consult the doctor before using aspirin while on treatment with Metamizole.
Metamizole may interfere with laboratory tests used to measure serum levels of creatinine, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and uric acid. If you are undergoing any tests, inform the doctor that you are on treatment with Metamizole.
You should avoid using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, as it can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor to discuss safer treatment options during pregnancy.
Injecting this medicine too quickly into a vein can cause a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. Healthcare professionals will always inject it slowly to ensure your safety. Talk to your doctor if you feel faint during your treatment.
Taking other pain medications alongside this injection can increase the risk of strain on your kidneys and stomach. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining treatments.
If you have kidney disease, your body may process and clear this medicine more slowly, which can raise the risk of side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or choose an alternative. Talk to your doctor about your kidney health before receiving this injection.
The most serious, though rare, side effect is a severe drop in white blood cells, which can severely weaken your immune system. If you experience a sudden high fever, sore throat, or mouth sores, contact your doctor immediately. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
This medicine can cause temporary dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals. It is best to avoid driving or operating machinery until you know exactly how the injection affects you. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
