METAMIZOLE = DIPYRONE = NORAMIDOPYRINE injectable

Prescription under medical supervision

Given the potentially serious adverse effects and that safer alternatives exist, this drug should not be prescribed as first choice treatment.

Therapeutic action

– Analgesic, antipyretic

Indications

– Pain, fever

Forms and strengths, route of administration

– 1 g in 2 ml ampoule (500 mg/ml) for IM, SC or slow IV injection or infusion

Dosage

– Adult: 500 mg every 8 hours if necessary

Duration

– As short as possible.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

– May cause:
• severe agranulocytosis, potentially fatal, regardless of dose or duration of treatment;
• allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock.
– Pregnancy: CONTRA-INDICATED
– Breast-feeding: CONTRA-INDICATED

Remarks

– Metamizole is not included in the WHO list of essential medicines.
– Storage: below 25 °C