Alvotor

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Alvotor

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Alvotor

What is Alvotor? Definition and Active Ingredient

Property Description
Active ingredient Sodium Metamizole (Metamizole)
Pharmacological class Non-opioid Analgesic, Antipyretic, Spasmolytic
Origin Synthetic (Pyrazolone Derivative)
Common purpose Relief of pain and fever, reduction of muscle spasms
Forms Tablet, Solution, Suppository

Alvotor is a commercial brand name for a pharmaceutical preparation whose active ingredient is Sodium Metamizole, a compound also widely referred to as Metamizole or Dipyrone. This ingredient is synthetic in origin and is chemically classified as a pyrazolone derivative. It is supplied as a single-ingredient product in various dosage forms. The substance acts as a pro-drug that is quickly metabolized in the body into its primary active metabolite, 4-Methylaminoantipyrine (MAA).

Alvotor's Pharmacological Class and General Purpose

Alvotor belongs to the pharmacological class of Non-opioid Analgesics and is characterized by its strong Antipyretic (fever-reducing) and Spasmolytic (muscle spasm-relieving) properties. It is used in acute pain management due to its potent analgesic action. This indicates that the medicine is effective at easing intense, sudden discomfort.

Its general therapeutic purpose leverages this powerful triple action: the drug provides comprehensive relief by simultaneously mitigating pain perception, reducing high fever, and alleviating discomfort caused by involuntary muscle spasms. For instance, it is typically used for strong pain that may be associated with colic. The spasmolytic effect is also utilized in treating spasmodic pain conditions.

Available Pharmaceutical Forms

The active ingredient, Sodium Metamizole, is manufactured in multiple dosage forms to suit different clinical needs, confirming its versatile utility across various healthcare settings. These preparations commonly include tablets for oral ingestion, suppositories intended for rectal administration, and sterile solution designed for intramuscular or intravenous use. The availability of the injectable solution allows for quick onset of action when rapid pain control is necessary.

What side effects are possible with Alvotor?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The regulatory safety profile of Alvotor (Sodium Metamizole) is defined by officially documented adverse reactions classified by seriousness, frequency, and affected organ system. The most serious adverse reaction listed in regulatory documents is agranulocytosis, a sudden and profound decrease in white blood cells. This hematologic disorder is classified as a rare or very rare side effect in various Summaries of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and is noted to occur at any time during or shortly after treatment cessation, irrespective of the dose.

Severe hypersensitivity reactions are also documented, ranging from uncommon non-severe skin reactions to rare and life-threatening systemic events like anaphylactic shock, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Safety Considerations by System-Organ Class

The official labeling documents adverse reactions affecting several system-organ classes, including:

  • Vascular Disorders: Commonly lists hypotensive reactions (a drop in blood pressure), which may be dose-dependent and more likely with rapid intravenous administration.
  • Hepatobiliary Disorders: Reports of rare events such as acute hepatitis and acute liver failure have been documented, potentially arising during prolonged therapy.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: May involve non-serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Population-Specific Safety Restrictions

Regulatory safety information includes specific restrictions for certain populations. The medicine is contraindicated (should not be used) during the third trimester of pregnancy due to risks to the fetal circulation. Caution or restrictions also apply to use in individuals with underlying conditions affecting blood cell production (impaired haematopoiesis) and those with severe renal or hepatic impairment, as stated in the official prescribing information.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with the active ingredient Sodium Metamizole (Alvotor) is officially documented in regulatory information as potentially affecting multiple critical organ systems. Due to the risk of severe complications, seeking immediate medical attention is required upon known or suspected over-exposure.

Documented Manifestations and Severe Outcomes

System Affected Manifestations & Outcomes (Documented)
CNS Dizziness, Somnolence, Convulsions, Coma
Cardiovascular Hypotension, Tachycardia, Shock (Hypotensive)
Renal Acute Renal Failure, Anuria
Gastrointestinal Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain

Emergency Action and Management

Immediate action is required: Regulatory authorities state that emergency services must be contacted immediately if severe manifestations are present, such as shock, coma, or acute renal failure. The official structure for management is strictly symptomatic and supportive, reflecting the fact that no specific antidote is known for Metamizole overdose. Officially documented procedural steps may include the use of gastric lavage or activated charcoal.

Monitoring Requirements: Due to the documented risks of organ failure and cardiac effects, monitoring of renal function, cardiovascular function, and ECG monitoring is required during treatment. Regulatory notes further identify patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment as being at an increased risk of severe effects.

Therapeutic Uses of Alvotor

The active substance in Alvotor is relevant in clinical settings for managing symptoms of pain and fever, and it is commonly used when patients experience heightened distress.


This medication is commonly used to address acute and chronic pain that is categorized as moderate to severe, applied when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain. The therapeutic profile is useful for managing conditions such as postoperative discomfort, intense headaches, pain associated with tumors, and disruptive spasmodic pain conditions. It provides supportive analgesic relief, contributing to easing the overall symptom load during episodes of heightened discomfort.

It is relevant for addressing visceral pain such as renal colic and biliary colic, where it assists with maintaining functional stability. The medication also provides antipyretic support for managing high-grade fever associated with acute or disruptive episodes.

“This medicine is applied across therapeutic domains involving heightened symptomatic responses, contributing to improved comfort during acute episodes.”

Quick Fact: Focus on Spasmodic Symptoms

Category Typical Context
Symptom Focus Symptoms linked to organ-specific functional stress
Common Scenarios Used during phases of increased distress or discomfort
Patient Benefit Assists with managing pronounced physiological strain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Alvotor?

Regulatory documents define Alvotor’s eligibility profile through strict population-based constraints and absolute prohibitions on use for specific patient groups. This information reflects official governmental labeling and not clinical advice.

Eligibility scope

Population Group Eligibility Status (Regulatory)
Absolute Contraindications History of agranulocytosis (metamizole or pyrazolone-related), impaired bone marrow/haematopoietic system, acute hepatic porphyria, known hypersensitivity.
Age Eligibility Contraindicated in infants under 3 months (or < 5 kg). Permitted for use in adults and adolescents aged 15 years and older.
Pregnancy Contraindicated in the third trimester. Use in the first and second trimesters is restricted.
Lactation Not recommended for use while breastfeeding.

Eligibility-Context Constraints

Condition Use Restriction
Renal or Hepatic Impairment Conditional use only. Caution and potential dose reduction are required due to reduced elimination rates.
Blood Disorders Contraindicated in diseases of the haematopoietic system.

Official Eligibility Summary: Alvotor is strictly prohibited for patients with a history of certain blood disorders, such as metamizole-induced agranulocytosis, and for any patient with impaired bone marrow function. Contraindications also apply to the third trimester of pregnancy and to infants under three months of age. Use in all other patients with reduced kidney or liver function is conditional, requiring increased caution.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The regulatory documentation for Alvotor details specific interaction patterns concerning its co-administration with other medicines and substances. The combination with Methotrexate is strictly prohibited as Alvotor significantly reduces its renal clearance, leading to an increased plasma concentration and a heightened risk of haematotoxicity. This risk is officially noted as being especially relevant for patients with impaired renal function.

Alvotor is classified as a metabolic enzyme inducer, specifically impacting the CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 enzyme systems. This induction mechanism results in a clinically relevant decrease in the plasma exposure of numerous co-administered drugs that are substrates for these enzymes. Substances affected by this pharmacokinetic interaction, experiencing reduced plasma levels, include Efavirenz, Bupropion, Methadone, Captopril, and Tacrolimus.

Documented pharmacodynamic interactions include interference with the antiplatelet effect of Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid). There is also a formal caution regarding the co-administration of Alvotor with Chlorpromazine due to a documented risk of severe hypothermia. Additionally, Alvotor is noted to potentiate the effects of alcohol. No universally mandatory timing separation rules are consistently documented across regulatory labels for co-administered medicines.

Mechanism of Action

The pharmacodynamic effect of Alvotor (Sodium Metamizole) is mediated by its active metabolites, primarily 4-Methylaminoantipyrine ( MAA) and 4-Aminoantipyrine ( AA), which modulate three core physiological domains simultaneously.

Central Modulation of Nociception and Thermal Pathways

Metabolites penetrate the Central Nervous System ( CNS), where they preferentially inhibit COX enzymes (especially COX-3 and central COX-1) to suppress Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2) synthesis in the hypothalamus. They also modulate kappa-opioid and endocannabinoid receptors, engaging the descending antinociceptive pathway. This mechanism causes a reduction in nociceptive signal transmission and adjustment of the hypothalamic thermal set point.

Direct Activation of Smooth Muscle Ion Channels

The spasmolytic mechanism involves direct action on involuntary (smooth) muscle cells. The active metabolites act as activators of ATP-sensitive potassium channels ( K ATP channels) on the cell membrane. This causes hyperpolarization and a subsequent reduction in the intracellular Ca^2+ available for contraction, resulting in decreased smooth muscle tone in visceral tissues.

Mechanistic Selectivity

Alvotor's COX inhibition profile is redox-sensitive, resulting in weak peripheral anti-inflammatory activity. Its primary effect on nociception is driven by the modulation of central systems, guiding its physiological activity across central and smooth muscle pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

The official use of Alvotor, which contains the active ingredient Sodium Metamizole, is determined by specific guidelines that govern its administration, dosing limits, and scheduling. These rules establish a standardized protocol for its short-term use in clinical practice.


Administration Scope

Element Official Use Parameter
Routes Administration is approved for oral (tablets, drops), intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and rectal delivery.
Dosing Schedule Adults (Age ge 15 years): Single doses range up to 1,000 mg. The total daily dose is strictly limited to 4,000 mg for oral administration, or up to 5,000 mg for parenteral (IV/IM) administration.
Frequency Dosing must observe a minimum interval of 6 to 8 hours between administrations and cannot exceed a frequency of four times per day. If a dose is missed, the next dose should maintain the 6 to 8 hour minimum interval.
Age-Group Rules Pediatric: Dosing is strictly calculated based on the patient’s body weight (8 mg to 16 mg per kilogram). The use of oral forms is generally restricted in infants under 3 months of age or weighing less than 5 kg.
Special Conditions The medication is reserved for short-term use. The intravenous injection must be administered slowly, at a rate not exceeding 1 mL per minute.

Procedural Structure

The official use protocol is designed for the acute management of symptoms. The sequence requires first selecting the appropriate route (Oral, IV, IM, or Rectal); second, determining the lowest effective single dose; and third, ensuring strict adherence to the 6 to 8 hour minimum interval. This structured approach defines the necessary administrative rigor, ensuring that administration is limited to short episodes and the use of the parenteral solution follows required technical conditions.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Alvotor (Metamizole)

Evidence for Use in Acute Pain Following Surgery

Research has explored the use of Metamizole for managing outcomes related to physical discomfort after surgical procedures. The evidence primarily stems from short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) where the medicine was studied for adults recovering from various operations. These trials monitored objective outcomes, such as changes in pain intensity scores, over defined time intervals. Studies report that many measurements of pain scores shifted during the first few hours of observation compared to baseline, and some monitored how the use of additional pain medication evolved. However, research exploring short-term symptom changes provides limited information for long-term outcomes regarding persistent pain, as follow-up durations were restricted.


Evidence for Use in Acute Spasmodic Pain and High Fever

Metamizole was evaluated in studies focusing on conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, specifically visceral pain (colic) and systemic or functional imbalance (fever). Research included both RCTs and observational studies in acute care settings, examining immediate outcomes related to physical discomfort and the need for additional medication. Findings describe patterns observed where patients reported changes in patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Similarly, research examined the magnitude and duration of temperature reduction in febrile patients. Comparative evidence against other standard agents remains mixed or lacking, and certainty remains low in some critical care settings.


Research on Chronic Pain and Long-Term Follow-Up

The research landscape for chronic pain, such as that associated with tumors, relies on a mix of clinical trials and retrospective data, often from palliative care. This research examined outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level. The available evidence often reflects patterns observed in specialized clinical use rather than results from large, dedicated controlled trials. Long-term effects are not fully established because there is limited information for long-term outcomes from dedicated RCTs for sustained chronic conditions.


Evidence in Special Populations and Uncertainties

Research has explored the use of Metamizole across different age groups, including children with fever and specific evaluations in older adults. However, the results apply only to the populations studied. Data for certain groups, such as pregnant individuals or those with significant comorbidities, remain insufficient. Regulators and scientific reviews consistently note areas where the evidence base is incomplete. The evidence quality varies across studies, and findings were mixed in certain areas, meaning the data are still emerging and do not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Alvotor (FAQ)

Q: Can older adults use Alvotor?

A: Official use documents note that the rate at which the medicine leaves the body can be slower if kidney or liver function is reduced. While short-term use typically requires no change, regulatory guidelines recommend avoiding multiple high doses in these cases, as this is a common factor considered for older adults.

Q: What research studies are available about the long-term use of Alvotor?

A: Official product information emphasizes that this medication is reserved for short-term use. Information indicates that data for prolonged periods is limited or insufficient for some patient groups, especially those with severe kidney or liver impairment.

Q: Can Alvotor be taken at any time of day?

A: Official guidelines require a minimum interval of 6 to 8 hours between administrations. For some specific forms of the product, official product information notes that administration after meals is recommended, which may help minimize potential stomach irritation.

Q: Are there different strengths or doses of Alvotor available?

A: Yes, according to official product information, the medicine is manufactured in various pharmaceutical forms. These forms include oral tablets, drops, and solutions for injection, each available in different corresponding strengths.

Q: What is the meaning of the warning about 'special populations' for Alvotor?

A: The term 'special populations' is used in regulatory documents to refer to groups of patients who require extra caution or for whom the medicine is restricted or contraindicated. Examples of these groups, listed in regulatory documents, include individuals with impaired kidney or liver function, certain blood disorders, and women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Q: What is the typical age range of people who use Alvotor?

A: Official regulatory guidelines establish dosing rules that cover a broad age range. This includes infants over 3 months of age or 5 kilograms body weight, adolescents, and adults 15 years of age and older.

Q: Is Alvotor considered a new type of drug?

A: Official regulatory history indicates that the active ingredient, Sodium Metamizole, has been available internationally for a long period of time. It has been marketed for nearly a century.

Q: How long does it usually take to notice an effect from Alvotor?

A: According to the product's official pharmacological information, the pain-relieving effect of the active components is typically expected to start within 30 minutes after administration.

Q: Is Alvotor a type of antibiotic?

A: No, the medicine is not an antibiotic. It is officially classified as a non-opioid analgesic (pain-reliever) and antipyretic (fever-reducer) that belongs to the pyrazolone group.

Q: Is it common to feel tired when starting Alvotor?

A: Regulatory information lists somnolence, which means drowsiness, among the common adverse effects that have been reported with this medication.

Q: Can Alvotor affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Official product information notes that central nervous system effects such as dizziness or drowsiness have been reported. Regulatory documents state that driving or operating machinery should be avoided if these effects occur.

Q: Does Alvotor interact with common over-the-counter pain relievers?

A: Regulatory sources note that using this medicine alongside other analgesics may carry a risk of increased adverse effects. Information indicates the potential for kidney toxicity and a documented effect on the antiplatelet action of low-dose aspirin.

Q: Is Alvotor safe to use if I have kidney problems?

A: Severe kidney dysfunction is listed as a contraindication in official documents. For those with existing impaired kidney function, regulatory guidelines recommend avoiding multiple high doses. Official information suggests that short-term use typically requires no dose reduction.

Q: Does Alvotor need to be stored in the refrigerator?

A: The specific instructions for storage can vary depending on the particular form of the medicine. However, typical regulatory instructions recommend storing the product in a cool and dark place, with temperature ranges often permitting up to 30 C.

Q: Can women who are planning pregnancy use Alvotor?

A: Official regulatory advice specifically contraindicates use during the third trimester of pregnancy due to risks to the fetus. Caution or avoidance is also generally recommended by regulatory bodies during the first six months of pregnancy, unless official assessment determines the need for treatment is clear.

Q: Is Alvotor available as a generic medicine?

A: The active ingredient, Sodium Metamizole (also known as Dipyrone), has been available for many years. Due to this long history, it is widely marketed internationally under various generic and brand names.

Q: Is Alvotor known to cause any heart-related side effects?

A: The medicine is contraindicated for people with existing arterial hypotension and unstable circulatory states. Official documents list low blood pressure (hypotension) and increased heart rate (tachycardia) as potential side effects.

Q: Do I need to have regular blood tests while I am taking Alvotor?

A: Regulatory information states that if the medication is used for prolonged periods, monitoring of the blood picture, which includes checking blood cell levels, is typically required.

Q: Can a history of liver disease affect who can take Alvotor?

A: Severe liver dysfunction is listed as a contraindication in official documents. For those with existing impaired liver function, regulatory guidelines recommend avoiding multiple high doses. Official information suggests that short-term use typically requires no dose reduction.

Q: What does the term 'contraindication' mean for Alvotor?

A: The term 'contraindication' is used in official regulatory documents to list specific patient conditions or situations where the medicine must not be used. This is because, in these cases, the documented risk of using the medicine outweighs the potential benefit.

Q: How long does Alvotor stay in the body after the last dose?

A: Regulatory documents describe the rate at which the active components are eliminated from the body. For example, the main active metabolite has an elimination half-life of 2 to 3 hours.

Q: Is Alvotor addictive or habit-forming?

A: The medicine is classified as a non-opioid analgesic (pain reliever). While medical literature contains isolated reports of misuse, it is not classified by regulatory bodies as a controlled or habit-forming substance in the same category as opioid medicines.

Q: Can Alvotor be crushed or split if it is a tablet?

A: The official instructions for oral tablets specifically state that the tablet should be swallowed whole. Regulatory information specifies that it should not be crushed, split, or altered.

Q: Are there any severe or rare side effects associated with Alvotor?

A: Regulatory documents describe certain rare but very serious potential side effects. These include agranulocytosis, which is a severe decrease in white blood cells, and acute liver injury or liver failure.

Q: Does alcohol change the way Alvotor works in the body?

A: Official regulatory warnings note that alcohol consumption should be avoided while using this medicine. This is because alcohol may potentially increase the risk of experiencing certain adverse effects, such as problems affecting the stomach.

Q: Is it possible to be allergic to Alvotor?

A: Yes, regulatory documents state the medicine is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions. This includes previous reactions to the active substance, pyrazolones, or any of the inactive ingredients.

Q: What are the official warnings about taking Alvotor?

A: Official warnings focus on the rare but serious risk of severe blood reactions, such as agranulocytosis, which affects white blood cells. Additionally, warnings highlight the potential for severe hypotensive reactions, particularly when the medicine is given via rapid intravenous injection.

Q: Can Alvotor cause changes in mood or behavior?

A: Official regulatory documents list adverse effects that impact the central nervous system, such as somnolence (drowsiness) and vertigo (dizziness). Official product information notes that driving or operating machinery should be avoided if these effects, such as somnolence or vertigo, are experienced.

Q: What is the expected outcome of taking Alvotor?

A: As described in regulatory documents, the expected effects of the medicine include its use as a potent non-opioid analgesic, meaning it provides relief from pain, and as an antipyretic, meaning it reduces fever.

Q: Does Alvotor change the way my immune system works?

A: Official documents describe a rare but serious adverse effect called agranulocytosis. This condition involves a sudden and sharp decrease in granulocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, thereby impacting the body's ability to fight infection.

Q: Can Alvotor cause problems with blood pressure?

A: Low blood pressure (hypotension) is listed as a potential side effect, especially following intravenous injection. The medicine is also contraindicated in patients who have pre-existing arterial hypotension or unstable circulatory conditions.

Q: Is it described in official sources how often side effects occur with Alvotor?

A: Yes, official regulatory documents use standardized frequency categories, such as 'common', 'uncommon', or 'rare', to describe how often side effects have been reported in studies. Incidence rates are sometimes provided for severe effects like agranulocytosis.

Q: What is the purpose of the 'Black Box Warning' (if any) mentioned for Alvotor?

A: While the term 'Black Box Warning' is specific to the U.S. FDA, international regulatory bodies issue strong warnings regarding the serious, rare risk of agranulocytosis. This condition is a severe decrease in white blood cells.

Q: Are there different brand names for Alvotor?

A: The active ingredient, Sodium Metamizole (also known as Dipyrone), is available internationally. Due to its long presence on the market, it is marketed worldwide under many different brand names.

Q: What is the meaning of the drug class that Alvotor belongs to?

A: The medicine is described as belonging to the pyrazolone group of non-opioid analgesics. This means it is known to possess pain-relieving, fever-reducing, and muscle spasm-relieving properties.

How should Alvotor be stored and disposed of?

Storage Requirements

Detail Official Regulatory Requirement
Temperature Requirements: Must be stored below 25 C (for oral solution).
Environmental Protection: Store in the original container to protect from light and moisture.
In-Use Stability: Alvotor oral solution must be used within 4 weeks after the bottle is first opened.
Child Safety: Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

The disposal of expired or unused Alvotor must adhere to strict pharmaceutical waste guidelines to prevent environmental contamination:

  • The product must not be disposed of via wastewater (drains, toilets) or mixed with household waste.
  • The official instruction is to return the unused or expired medicine to a pharmacist or an approved collection point for safe disposal.

These instructions define the mandatory environmental controls, container rules, and waste handling procedures as documented in the official labeling.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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