Metamizole (Dipyrone) is a potent analgesic and antipyretic. Metamizole inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in both the periphery and the central nervous system. Metamizole may act as a prodrug. It is rapidly hydrolyzed to N-methyl-4-aminoantipyrine (MAA) and 4-aminoantipyrine (AA) which inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity and can be further acylated with arachidonic acid forming compounds that bind to central and peripheral cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors and TRPV1 receptors. It is believed that these metabolites play a major role in metamizole activity. Metamizole has been withdrawn from clinical use in several countries because of a side-effect of agranulocytosis in some patients.
General description
Metamizole sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent.