Analgin

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Analgin

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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 Analgin

Property Description
Active ingredient Metamizole sodium (Dipyrone)
Form Tablets, Solution for Injection, Suppositories
Pharmacological class Non-opioid analgesic, Antipyretic, Anti-spasmodic
Common use Acute pain, Fever, Spasms
Origin Synthetic (Pyrazolone derivative)

Identification and Chemical Composition

Analgin is the widely recognized trade name for the active chemical substance Metamizole sodium, which is also known internationally as Dipyrone. This compound is a synthetic medicinal agent belonging to the pyrazolone derivative class, giving it a pharmacological structure distinct from common over-the-counter pain relievers. Metamizole sodium is the single active ingredient in most formulations. This compound is characterized by rapid systemic absorption, which is a key factor in its prompt pain-relieving action.

The Pharmacological Class and Triple Action Profile

Metamizole sodium is classified under the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system in the category of Other Analgesics and Antipyretics (ATC code N02BB02). Its therapeutic purpose is defined by a triple-action profile: it functions as a potent non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic, and it possesses a significant anti-spasmodic capability. This unique combination means the drug is often utilized to manage acute discomfort accompanied by elevated body temperature, or specifically for pain arising from cramp-like spasms in internal organs.

Pharmaceutical Forms and General Delivery Type

Metamizole sodium is prepared in several core dosage forms to suit different clinical needs, a differentiating feature of its formulation. It is commonly supplied as solid tablets for oral intake. Furthermore, it is prepared as a clear solution for injection for rapid delivery via the intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes. It is also available in suppositories for rectal administration. The availability of these multiple formats provides medical professionals with versatile options for administering the medication effectively across a range of patient situations.

What side effects are possible with Analgin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Analgin (Metamizole) has an officially documented safety profile characterized by the risk of rare but serious adverse reactions, which have led to its restriction or withdrawal in certain global markets (e.g., the United States and the United Kingdom).


Serious Adverse Reactions and Key Warnings

The most critical documented risk is Agranulocytosis, a severe blood disorder involving a sudden, sharp decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to life-threatening infections. Regulatory sources confirm that this reaction is not dose-related and can occur at any time during treatment or shortly after stopping. Patients are advised to be vigilant for symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or mucosal sores, and to seek immediate medical attention if they appear.

Other serious, officially documented adverse reactions classified as rare or very rare include:

  • Hypersensitivity reactions: These range from severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, to Anaphylactic shock.
  • Hepatic injury: Cases of acute hepatitis and acute liver failure, sometimes fatal, have been reported.

Contraindications and Restrictions

Analgin is contraindicated in patients with a history of Metamizole-induced agranulocytosis or hypersensitivity to pyrazolones, as well as in those with existing bone marrow disorders or impaired blood cell formation.

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The medicine is contraindicated during the last three months of pregnancy due to documented risks of adverse effects on the fetus’s kidneys and circulation. Use during breastfeeding is generally restricted due to the excretion of its metabolites into breast milk.
  • High-Level Use Note: Due to the risk of agranulocytosis, regulatory guidance in certain regions emphasizes that Analgin should be reserved for cases of pain or fever where other available treatment options are not effective.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Officially documented Analgin (Metamizole sodium) overdose manifests as an acute high-dose toxicity syndrome, primarily affecting the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Documented clinical manifestations of acute overdosage include convulsions, ataxia, somnolence, and vomiting. Circulatory instability may be observed, ranging from dose-dependent hypotensive reactions up to potentially life-threatening circulatory collapse and respiratory paralysis, which may progress to coma.

Immediate medical attention must be sought not only for suspected acute overdose but also upon the development of specific, severe adverse reaction signs. Regulatory authorities mandate that a patient must seek urgent help if symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or painful sores on moist body surfaces (mucosa) appear, as these indicate potential Agranulocytosis. Treatment for overdosage is strictly symptomatic and supportive, as official labeling confirms that a specific antidote for Metamizole sodium is not available. Management may include gastrointestinal decontamination if ingestion occurred less than one hour prior.

Patients with pre-existing circulatory instability or impaired renal/hepatic function are noted in prescribing information as having population-specific considerations for heightened risk of toxicity or reduced elimination. Immediate blood count monitoring is required if blood dyscrasia is suspected.

Therapeutic Uses of Analgin

What Analgin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Analgin, internationally known as metamizole (or dipyrone), is primarily used for its three core therapeutic effects: analgesic (pain-relieving), antipyretic (fever-reducing), and spasmolytic (muscle-relaxing) properties.

The medication's main clinical application is used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms where supportive symptom management is appropriate. It is used for treating symptoms related to moderate to severe pain and high fever and is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required. This medication is considered relevant for easing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive. The therapeutic domain is generally applied in addressing pain following surgery, trauma, or painful colic.

Its analgesic component is applied during phases of increased distress or discomfort, supporting patients during episodes of heightened discomfort. It plays a role in managing symptoms linked to organ-specific functional stress. Ultimately, Analgin provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and contributes to improved comfort during symptomatic periods.

“Applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns.”

Relevant for symptoms related to physical discomfort

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) referral on metamizole

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Analgin (Metamizole)

This section outlines the official eligibility and non-eligibility profiles for Analgin (Metamizole), as strictly defined by regulatory health authorities.


Populations Who Must Not Use Analgin (Contraindications)

Analgin is contraindicated in patients with:

  • A known history of agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cells) induced by metamizole or other pyrazolone derivatives.
  • Impaired bone marrow function or diseases of the hematopoietic system.
  • Hereditary hemolytic anemia due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD deficiency).
  • Acute intermittent hepatic porphyria.
  • Severe hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment.
  • Known hypersensitivity to metamizole, pyrazolones, or other ingredients.
  • Infants below the age of 3 months or less than 5 kg of body weight (for specific formulations).

Eligibility During Life Stages

  • Pregnancy: The use of Analgin is contraindicated during the third trimester and is generally not recommended during the first and second trimesters.
  • Breastfeeding: Analgin is contraindicated as the drug’s metabolites are excreted in breast milk.

Conditional or Restricted Use

Use requires special caution and monitoring in patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic or renal impairment, and in those with existing hypotension or unstable circulatory conditions.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Analgin, or metamizole sodium, interacts with specific medicinal products primarily through enzyme activity and pharmacodynamic effects, based on regulatory documentation. All interaction information focuses on documented patterns and constraints.


Documented Interaction Constraints

Category Regulatory Requirement or Outcome
Formal Restriction Contraindicated in patients with a history of agranulocytosis caused by Metamizole or other pyrazolones or pyrazolidines.
Timing Rule Requires timing separation from low-dose Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) taken for cardiovascular protection, as Metamizole inhibits its anti-platelet effect.
Monitoring Rule Co-administration with Ciclosporin necessitates mandatory blood concentration monitoring due to documented decreases in Ciclosporin plasma levels.

Exposure and Toxicity Risks

Metamizole is documented as a moderate to strong inducer of specific liver enzymes, including CYP3A4, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19. This enzyme induction accelerates the metabolism of co-administered substrates, leading to reduced plasma concentration for drugs like Ciclosporin. Conversely, co-administration with Methotrexate carries a documented risk of increased hematotoxicity, a caution specifically noted for elderly patients. Additionally, simultaneous use with Chlorpromazine or related Phenothiazine derivatives may result in severe hypothermia, a pharmacodynamic effect documented in regulatory sources.

Mechanism of Action

Metamizole sodium acts through a mechanism involving three distinct pharmacodynamic pathways, targeting the central nervous system (CNS) and visceral smooth muscle.

CNS Modulation of Nociception and Temperature

This mechanism centers on the active metabolite, 4-Methyl-amino-antipyrine (4-MAA), which is a clear inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase-3 ( COX-3) enzyme system highly localized in the brain and spinal cord. By suppressing the synthesis of Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2) in the CNS, the drug directly intervenes in the signaling cascades that regulate body temperature and nociceptive transmission. This action results in the modulation of central pain signaling and the resetting of the hypothalamic set-point. Further modulation involves the engagement of non-opioid pathways, such as CB1 receptor activation and the endogenous opioid system, which contribute to the descending control of nociceptive signals.

Spasmolysis via K ATP Channel Activation

Metamizole's spasmolytic mechanism involves a direct action on the electrical activity of involuntary, visceral smooth muscle cells. The drug's metabolites activate K ATP ion channels on the muscle membrane, causing an outward flow of potassium ions ( K^+). This physiological effect leads to hyperpolarization of the cell, which prevents the sustained inward flow of Ca^2+ required for muscle contraction, resulting in visceral smooth muscle relaxation.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Analgin

Analgin, known generically as Metamizole sodium, is administered through several officially approved routes to address acute symptomatic needs. The core administration methods include oral intake (via tablets or drops), rectal delivery (suppositories), and parenteral delivery via intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection. The injectable forms are intended for use under professional supervision, and the IV administration requires a slow injection rate.

The standard adult dosing regimen is governed by strict upper limits to manage short-term use. For individuals over 15 years, a typical single dose may be up to 1,000 mg, which may be repeated up to four times daily (QID). A minimum interval of 6 to 8 hours must pass between subsequent doses. The maximum recommended oral daily intake should not exceed 4,000 mg, while the maximum for injectable administration is limited to 5,000 mg.

Dosing adjustments are necessary for specific patient populations to account for differences in drug elimination speed. Official guidelines mandate that the total dose must be reduced for older adults and for patients with known renal or hepatic impairment. Pediatric dosing (under 14 years) is based on a weight-dependent calculation, with specific liquid formulations often utilized to ensure precision. The medicine is primarily indicated for short-term treatment, and continuous use beyond a few days is typically not covered under standard administration guidelines.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Analgin

Analgin (metamizole) was studied for outcomes related to physical discomfort and elevated body temperature. The body of evidence consists primarily of short-term randomized trials (RCTs) and subsequent analyses that explore how symptoms change over defined time intervals, particularly in hospital and acute settings. This research provides context but not individual predictions about personal outcomes.


Evidence for Analgin in Acute Pain Management

Research has extensively evaluated Analgin in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms, specifically acute pain. The body of research primarily consists of short-term randomized trials (RCTs) that focus on adult populations experiencing moderate to severe pain after surgical procedures, and those with sharp colic pain. This evidence contributes to understanding symptom patterns by monitoring measurements from these trials.

Comparison with Placebo and Standard Pain Relievers

Studies were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity and aimed to compare Analgin's effects against an inactive treatment (placebo) and against other commonly used non-opioid pain relievers. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies where pain scale ratings were reported to change in groups receiving Analgin compared to those receiving placebo in the immediate post-treatment hours. Analyses noted that the requirement for rescue medication use was monitored in study arms, with data showing patterns related to reduced consumption compared to placebo in single-dose trials.


Research Evidence for Fever Reduction

Analgin was evaluated in studies as an antipyretic agent, primarily for conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes of high body temperature, with some studies examining its use when other fever medications were insufficient. Clinical trials reported measurements of temperature changes compared to baseline within the study period, in both children and adults. However, the evidence derived from settings with varying symptom burdens means the comparative evidence shows variability in some adult populations compared to pediatric cohorts.


What Research Gaps and Uncertainties Remain

The evidence highlights what is known—and what is still uncertain—about Analgin. A major limitation is the focus on short-term, acute outcomes, such as immediate pain score changes or rapid temperature reduction, which provides context but not individual predictions for long-term health outcomes. Sample sizes were modest in some pivotal RCTs, and the evidence quality varies across studies when comparing Analgin to every existing non-opioid analgesic. Overall, more comprehensive studies are needed to characterize its effects and clinical role in chronic pain and in a broader range of patients with complex health profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Analgin (FAQ)


Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Analgin?

If a dose is forgotten, official guidance states that one should not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one. It is generally recommended to continue with the regular dosing schedule, or skip the missed dose if it is near the time for the next scheduled dose. Patients are generally advised to discuss specific instructions for managing missed doses with their healthcare provider.


Q: Does Analgin contain gluten, lactose, or any common allergens?

The inclusion of inactive ingredients, or excipients, depends on the specific formulation of Analgin (tablet, injection, or suppository) and the manufacturer. Regulatory product information confirms that certain forms of the drug may contain common excipients such as lactose. Individuals with known allergies or intolerances to substances like gluten or lactose are encouraged to review the detailed list of inactive ingredients (excipients) for their specific product and consult a healthcare professional.


Q: How long does it take for Analgin to start working after I take it?

According to the official product information and pharmacokinetic studies, Analgin is designed for rapid action. For many patients, regulatory product information notes that an initial clear effect may be observed within 30 to 60 minutes following oral administration (such as a tablet).


Q: Can Analgin cause drowsiness or affect my ability to drive?

Official regulatory documents indicate that Analgin may cause some central nervous system side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, in some patients. If a patient experiences these effects, they are advised by the product labeling to refrain from activities that require physical coordination or alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

How should Analgin be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements for Analgin (Metamizole Sodium)

This information is based on official government regulatory documents defining the required conditions for product integrity and public safety.

Condition Requirement (Official Labeling)
Temperature Store below 25 °C or 30 °C. Do not refrigerate or freeze liquid forms.
Protection Keep the container tightly closed and protect the medicine from light and moisture.
Stability Keep in the original container. Injectable solutions must be used within 28 days after the first opening.
Safety Keep the medicine out of the reach and sight of children.

For disposal, unused Analgin must not be flushed down the sink or toilet unless explicitly instructed by the product label. Instead, mix the medicine with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and seal it in a bag or container before placing it in the household trash. Bulk product and contaminated packaging must be handled according to controlled-waste procedures and must not enter public drains.

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

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