Nolotil (Metamizol): uses, characteristics and side effects
Injuries, cuts, inflammations, infections ... There are many elements that can cause different types and degrees of physical pain. Although the perception of pain is in principle adaptive because it allows us to know that something is not working properly or is causing us some damage (being able to try to do something to avoid it), the truth is that it is generally extremely aversive, being something that Most people would prefer to avoid experimenting.
In addition, pain, when it is intense, can be highly invalidating to the point of preventing our functionality, especially when it is due to elements over which we do not have direct control or that require a process to be cured or solved. Fortunately, throughout history they have been discovering and subsequently synthesizing different substances that reduce the 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 commercial name of a relatively common drug in our country, whose main active principle is metamizol or dipyrone . The mechanism of action of this drug is not completely 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, decreasing and treating the pain of different diseases and alterations . In addition, it also has an antipyretic effect, being able to reduce fever, and antispasmolytic (that is, it also has an effect reducing muscular spasms and the pain associated with them). Although technically it is not an anti-inflammatory, in supratherapeutic doses it has been useful to calm and reduce inflammation, although the dose used for this can generate toxicity.
It is available in a variety of possible presentations, among which the most common one stands out: in the form of a hard capsule to be taken orally . However, it can also be found in the form of an ampoule (also to be used orally). There is also a presentation as injectable parenterally (although it should only be used in very specific cases) or even anally in the form of a suppository.
Nolotil has more potency than other commonly used ones such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, but on the other hand it also has higher risks and side effects and even toxic effects that have been banned in some countries.
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Main indications
As we have said the Nolotil has analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic properties and even in certain anti-inflammatory doses , being able to be used for the treatment of a great variety of disorders.
The most common is its use in acute pain, especially in the case of those of surgical interventions or trauma. As well is used to relieve oncological pain (that is, generated by tumors) or in colic and spasms of visceral or muscular origin. Its use at the dental level is not infrequent.
Despite its power to lower fever, it is usually used only when it is not reduced with other antipyretic drugs. Although at popular level it is sometimes used for headache or headache, it is not recommended due to the risks involved.
Side effects
Nolotil is a drug that enjoys great popularity and that has shown great utility in the treatment of pain caused by various diseases and conditions, but nevertheless it can also generate a series of side effects and even toxic what is worth taking into account.
Among the most frequent we can find a probable decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to hypotension. Allergic reactions and rashes, gastrointestinal discomfort and respiratory difficulties may also appear.
More serious and less frequent are the presence of arrhythmias, severe allergic reactions (being able to reach anaphylactic shock), leukopenia or decreased white blood cells in the blood, toxic necrolysis in the skin , difficulties in urination, kidney inflammation, bleeding in the digestive tract or even that the aforementioned blood pressure drop in a sudden and extreme (something that is very dangerous).
One of the possible side effects of its administration and one of the causes that has been banned in countries such as the United Kingdom or the United States is agranulocytosis (alteration in which one of the types of leukocytes or white blood cells is reduced in such a way that the body it is much more fragile, being able to lead to death). Another possible side effect with deadly potential could be a sepsis or generalized infection , as well as kidney failure.
Contraindications
In addition to the above side effects and partly based on them, it is necessary to bear in mind that Nolotil also presents contraindications or situations in which the suitability of its use must be carefully analyzed .
To start with, Nolotil should avoid taking all those people who present hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug or to others of similar composition, including obviously all those who have presented agranulocytosis derived from previous applications of it. Also people with asthma of any kind , allergic reactions by analgesics, 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 in the lactation stage , both in the mother and in the child. It is not recommended either in people of very advanced age or with kidney or liver problems, as well as in those with already low or unstable blood pressure. Caution is also advised in the use of dangerous vehicles or machinery if it is used in high doses, and its use should be avoided along with alcohol or other drugs (taking caution also in the case of drugs).
Bibliographic references:
- Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (2011). Prospect: Information for the user. Nolotil 575 mg hard capsules. Magnesium metamizole [On-line]. Available at: //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). Dipirona: Underappreciated benefits or oversized risks? Review of the literature. Colombian Journal of Chemical-Pharmaceutical Sciences, 43 (1). Bogotá
