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Novaminsulfone is a non-opioid pain reliever, also known by the name metamizole or under the trade name Novalgin® it’s known. Novaminsulfone has an analgesic, antipyretic and mildly anti-inflammatory effect. The painkiller is usually used as a so-called reserve drug – it is given when others drugs don’t work. When taking it, however, one must take into account the sometimes serious side effects of Novaminsulfone, the frequency of which is disputed.
This is how Novaminsulfon works
In contrast to opioid painkillers, non-opioid painkillers such as Novaminsulfone do not exert their effect on opioid receptors. Instead, they work by suppressing the biochemical processes that trigger pain.
Within the group of non-opioid pain relievers, novalminsulfone belongs to the group of non-acidic pain relievers. Exactly how active ingredients in this group, including novalminsulfone, work has not yet been definitively clarified. However, Novaminsulfon is suspected to inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, a group of tissue hormones. As messengers, they play a key role in the pain mediation process.
When is Novaminsulfon used?
The active ingredient Novaminsulfon is due to its analgesic and antipyretic effect Used to treat the following ailments:
- strong pain
- also sharp chronic pain, such as cancer pain or pain after surgery or injury
- high fever (only if other medicines don’t work)
Unlike most other non-opioid pain relievers, Novaminsulfone also has one antispasmodic effect. It can therefore be used to relieve pain in colic in the bile ducts or urinary tract. But Novaminsulfon doesn’t work for every type of pain: Novaminsulfon, for example, isn’t recommended for nerve pain.
5 facts about novaminsulfone – © rawpixel
Novaminsulfon dosage
Novaminsulfon or Novalgin® it is available in the form of drops, tablets and suppositories, as well as a solution for injection. The dosage of Novaminsulfon depends on the existing symptoms and should always be clarified with the attending physician. For high fever or chronic pain, single doses of 500 milligrams or 1,000 milligrams are recommended.
Depending on the type of application, the effect of Novaminsulfon begins approximately 30-60 minutes after administration. If Novaminsulfon is taken orally and simultaneously with food, this can cause a delay in the onset of action.
Novaminsulfone: contraindications
Novaminsulfone, for example in the form of Novalgin®should not be taken in case of intolerance to the active ingredient. Novaminsulfone should also not be used if the production of the red blood pigment has stopped.
Likewise it should during the pregnancy and the feeding time and in children younger than three months, Novaminsulfon should not be used.
Children Children under the age of ten should only receive Novaminsulfone after consulting a doctor and in the form of suppositories, but not in the form of tablets. The 300-milligram suppositories should only be given to children over the age of four, the 1,000-milligram suppositories only to adolescents over the age of 15.
Likewise should a certain diseases be dispensed with Novaminsulfon. These include acute hepatic porphyria (a metabolic disorder), a deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and disorders of the hematopoietic system (blood disorders). Novaminsulfon should not be given intravenously to people who have low blood pressure, as this can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure.
Interactions with Novaminsulfon
Interactions occur mainly with drugs that contain the active ingredients efavirenz, bupropion, methadone, valproate, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, as Novaminsulfon lowers the serum level of these active ingredients. Furthermore, Novaminsulfon can also reduce the effectiveness of Diuretics are attenuated. Furthermore, interactions can occur with lithium and with antihypertensive drugs (e.g. captopril).
Similarly, the simultaneous use of Novaminsulfon and the active substance chlorpromazine, which is used to treat psychotic disorders, can lead to a significant drop in body temperature. Methotrexate should also not be taken at the same time, as novaminsulfone may increase the hemotoxicity (i.e. toxic effect on blood and blood components) of methotrexate.
Sources
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Online information from the European Medicines Agency (2021): Scientific conclusions and rationale for the variation to the terms of the marketing authorisations. (Access: 05/2023)
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Baltes, F., Bendas, G. (2019): Metamizole. Working knowledge of effects, side effects and interactions. In: Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung, Vol. 35, page 38.
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Embryotoxicity: metamizole. (Access: 05/2023)
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Maucher, IV (2019): Metamizole. (Access: 05/2023)
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Online information from the Federal Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices (2009): Metamizol (Novalgin, Berlosin, Novaminsulfon, etc.): BfArM emphasizes correct indication and compliance with precautionary measures and warnings. (Access: 05/2023)
Updated: 05/11/2023
Author: Kathrin Mehner, medical editor
