Novalgin: A User-Friendly Guide to Understanding Your Medication

Living with pain or fever can be challenging, but with the right medication and knowledge, you can manage these symptoms effectively. Novalgin, a medication containing Metamizole Sodium, offers relief from severe life-threatening fever and cancer pain. In this guide, we'll break down the essential information about Novalgin, focusing on its composition, pharmacological actions, indications, dosage, side effects, and precautions.

Understanding Novalgin: What's Inside?

Composition: Novalgin tablets and film-coated tablets contain 500 mg of Metamizole Sodium as the active ingredient. The formulation also includes various excipients such as maize starch, lactose monohydrate, sodium bicarbonate, talc, macrogol, saccharin, titanium dioxide, and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose.

Pharmaceutical Forms: Novalgin is available in tablets, film-coated tablets, and suppositories, providing flexibility in choosing the most suitable form for your needs.

How Novalgin Works: Pharmacological Actions

Metamizole, the primary component of Novalgin, is a non-narcotic pyrazolone derivative with analgesic, antipyretic, and spasmolytic effects. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed that Metamizole and its main metabolite, 4-N-methylaminoantipyrine, act centrally and peripherally to alleviate pain, reduce fever, and relieve spasms.

When to Use Novalgin: Indications

Novalgin is prescribed for specific conditions, including:

• Severe life-threatening fever
• Cancer pain

It's important to note that Novalgin is not intended for routine use as a general analgesic.

Dosage Guidelines: Taking Novalgin Safely

Single Dosing: For both oral and rectal applications, the recommended single dose for all age groups ranges from 8 mg to 16 mg of Metamizole per kilogram of body weight. In children with a high temperature, a dose of 10 mg per kilogram is usually sufficient.

Multiple Dosing: If the effect of a single dose is inadequate, or if it subsides, Novalgin can be administered up to four times a day. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose. Generally, adults should not exceed 5 g of Metamizole per day, or 70 mg per kilogram of body weight in a 24-hour period, unless specific clinical circumstances require higher doses.

Dosing in Special Cases: Patients with impaired kidney or liver function should avoid high doses and long-term use. Short-term use may not require a dose reduction, but close monitoring is advised, especially in elderly patients or those with overall poor health.

Duration of Use and Method of Administration

The duration of Novalgin use depends on the nature and severity of the disorder. Regular monitoring of blood parameters, including a differential blood count, is required for relatively long-term treatment. For oral forms, it is recommended to swallow the tablet whole with a sufficient amount of liquid.

Novalgin Precautions: What You Need to Know

Before using Novalgin, it is crucial to be aware of certain contraindications:

• Allergy to Metamizole or related substances
• Impaired bone marrow function or diseases of the hematopoietic system
• Known hypersensitivity to specific analgesics
• Allergy to any excipients in Novalgin
• Acute intermittent porphyria or congenital glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Use in infants under 3 months of age or weighing less than 5 kg
• Intravenous administration is restricted in infants between 3 and 11 months of age or in patients with hypotension or unstable hemodynamics

Potential Side Effects: What to Watch Out For

While Novalgin is generally well-tolerated, there are rare instances of anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions. These reactions may manifest as cutaneous and mucosal symptoms, dyspnea, and occasionally gastrointestinal complaints. Milder reactions may progress to severe forms with generalized urticaria, severe angioedema, bronchospasm, cardiac arrhythmias, drop in blood pressure, and circulatory shock.

Drug Interactions, Pregnancy, and Lactation

Caution is advised when using Novalgin concomitantly with cyclosporine, as it may lead to a fall in cyclosporine serum levels. Pregnant individuals are recommended to avoid Novalgin during the first three months, with careful consideration of benefits and risks during the following three months. Breastfeeding should be avoided during and for 48 hours after Novalgin administration.

Precautions and Warnings

Special precautions are outlined for patients at risk of anaphylactoid reactions, isolated hypotensive reactions, and those with pre-existing hypotension, circulatory instability, or renal or hepatic impairment. Agranulocytosis induced by metamizole is a rare but severe reaction that requires immediate discontinuation of the medication and close monitoring.

Storing and Using Novalgin

Novalgin should be stored below 30°C and should not be used after the expiry date. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Conclusion: Empowering Patients with Novalgin Knowledge

In conclusion, Novalgin, with its active ingredient

Metamizole Sodium, is a medication designed to provide effective relief from severe fever and cancer pain. By understanding its composition, indications, dosage, precautions, and potential side effects, patients can use Novalgin safely under the guidance of healthcare professionals. If you have any concerns or questions about Novalgin, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. With the right knowledge, you can confidently manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.