Nolotil (Metamizole): uses, characteristics and side effects

Injuries, cuts, inflammations, infections... There are many elements that can cause us different types and degrees of physical pain.

Despite the fact that the perception of pain is in principle adaptive since it allows us to know that something is not working correctly or is causing us some damage (being able to try to do something to avoid it), the truth is that it is usually extremely aversive, being something that most people would prefer to avoid to experience.

In addition, pain, when it is intense, can be highly disabling to the point of impeding our functionality, especially when it is due to elements over which we do not have direct control or that require a process in order to be cured or be solved. Fortunately, throughout history different substances have been discovered and subsequently synthesized that reduce nociception or perception of pain. One of them is the drug known as Nolotil, which we are going to talk about in this article.

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What is Nolotil and what is it for?

The name of Nolotil refers to the trade name of a relatively common drug in our country, whose main active ingredient is metamizole or dipyrone. The mechanism of action of this drug is not entirely known, although it has been observed to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins that contribute to the activation of nociceptors.

It is a drug whose best-known use is that which comes from its effects as an analgesic, reducing and treating the pain of different diseases and disorders. In addition to this, it also has an antipyretic effect, being able to reduce fever, and antispasmolytic (meaning it also has an effect reducing muscle spasms and pain associated with these). Although technically not an anti-inflammatory, in supratherapeutic doses it has shown to be of useful for calming and reducing inflammation, although the dose used for this can generate toxicity.

It is available in a wide variety of possible presentations, among which the most common stands out: as a hard capsule to take by mouth. However, it can also be found in the form of an ampoule (also to be used orally). There is also presentation as a parenteral injectable (although it should only be used in very specific cases) or even anally in the form of a suppository.

Nolotil has greater potency than others commonly used such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, but on the contrary it also has greater risks and secondary and even toxic effects that has led to its use in some countries. forbidden.

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main indications

As we have said, Nolotil has analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic properties and even in certain anti-inflammatory doses, and can be used for the treatment of a wide variety of disorders.

The most common is its use in acute pain, especially in the case of those typical of surgical interventions or derived from trauma. Also It is used to relieve cancer pain (that is, generated by tumors) or in colic and spasms of visceral or muscular origin. Its use at the dental level is also not uncommon.

Despite its power to lower fever, it is usually used only when it is not lowered with other antipyretic drugs. Although at a popular level it is sometimes used for headaches, it is not recommended due to the risks involved.

Side effects

Nolotil is a drug that enjoys great popularity and has shown great utility in the treatment of pain caused by various diseases and conditions, but nevertheless it can also trigger a series of side effects and even toxic that should be taken into account.

Among the most frequent we can find a probable drop in blood pressure, which can lead to hypotension. Allergic reactions and rashes, gastrointestinal discomfort and breathing difficulties may also appear.

More serious and less frequent are the presence of arrhythmias, severe allergic reactions (possibly leading to anaphylactic shock), leukopenia or decreased white blood cells, toxic necrolysis of the skin, difficulties in urination, kidney inflammation, bleeding in the digestive tract or even that the previously mentioned blood pressure drops in a sudden and extreme way (something that is of great danger).

One of the possible side effects of its administration and one of the causes that has been prohibited in countries like the United Kingdom or the United States is the agranulocytosis (alteration in which one of the types of leukocytes or white blood cells is reduced in such a way that the body is much more fragile, being able to lead to the death). Another possible life-threatening side effect could be a sepsis or generalized infectionas well as kidney failure.

contraindications

In addition to the previous side effects and partly based on them, it is necessary to take into account that Nolotil also presents contraindications or situations in which the suitability of its use must be carefully analyzed.

To begin with, all those people who present hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug or to others of its kind should avoid taking Nolotil. similar composition, obviously including all those who have presented agranulocytosis derived from previous applications of the same. Also people with asthma of any kind, allergic reactions from pain relievers, cases of acute intermittent hepatic porphyria, bone marrow or blood problems, or genetic problems related to glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and during lactation., both in the mother and in the child. It is also not recommended in very old people or with kidney or liver problems, as well as in those with already low or unstable blood pressure. Caution is also recommended in the use of vehicles or dangerous machinery if it is used in high doses, and its consumption should be avoided together with alcohol or other drugs (taking care also in the case of drugs).

Bibliographic references:

• Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (2011).Prospectus: Information for the user. Nolotil 575 mg hard capsules. Magnesium metamizole. [On-line]. Available in: https://www.aemps.gob.es/cima/pdfs/es/ft/47633/47633_ft.pdf
• Buitrago-González, T.P.; Calderón-Ospina, C.A. and Vallejos-Narváez, A. (2014).Dipyrone: Underestimated Benefits or Overstated Risks? Literature review. Colombian Journal of Chemical-Pharmaceutical Sciences, 43 (1). Bogota.