Nolotil is one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory drugs in many countries.
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What is Nolotil?
Nolotil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) . This explains that its main application is to relieve pain in different parts of the body, although Nolotil is highly recommended in those cases in which the person suffers from a fever.
The active ingredient in Nolotil is metamizole, a molecule also known as dipyrone. It is a substance that is part of the pyrazolone family, and metamizole and antipyrine are the most prominent.
Not only Nolotil can be found on the market, as there are other generic drugs with metamizol such as Buscapina Compositum, Alimabo or Metamizol Kern Pharma.
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What is it for?
Nolotil is an anti-inflammatory that is also used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug . It is especially useful for the treatment of febrile processes and/or severe and resistant pain.
In fact, its therapeutic classification of metamizole has generated many debates for years. Its main use is as an analgesic and antipyretic, although it belongs to a typically anti-inflammatory pharmacological group.
It has also been found to be effective as an antispasmodic drug, making it highly suitable for ailments related to smooth muscle.
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What is your mecanism of action?
Once taken orally, it is rapidly absorbed at the intestinal level. In approximately 90 minutes it has already been uniformly distributed in all the tissues where it performs its pharmacological action.
As an anti-inflammatory, it has the capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenases, that is, it reduces the concentrations of chemical mediators that produce vasodilation and vasopermeabilization.
As an analgesic, it reduces the production of molecules that activate the terminals of the peripheral receptors of nociceptors and lowers the pain threshold.
Its antipyretic properties are due to the fact that it reduces the concentrations of substances such as cytokines, which are responsible for modulating the thermoregulation of the hypothalamus.
Finally, it should also be noted that it is a spasmolytic drug, and it has been shown that it has a pharmacological action on the intestinal and respiratory smooth muscles.
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Presentations
Nolotil is commonly presented in capsule format , which is most commonly administered orally. In any case, there are more presentations available that can be found at the pharmacy.
The second best-selling presentation is the one that sells the medicine in ampoules, also being administered orally.
However, there are other ways of administering this medication, one of them being injectable intramuscularly. This format should be used in specific cases and when considered by the medical specialist.
Finally, there is also the anal route as a form of administration. This is an option that is in disuse due to the discomfort it represents for the patient.
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Side effects
Nolotil has been used around the world for years, although it does have side effects . In fact, there are a number of countries that have decided to withdraw metamizole and all drugs from the pyrazolone family in general from the market.
The reason is that this drug can lead to agranulocytosis and plastic anemia. These are two serious side effects, although their incidence is very low. Its greatest risk of appearance is when using high doses in the elderly.
On the other hand, the treatment should be stopped immediately and the doctor should be contacted if any type of allergic reaction to the medicine occurs.
Side effects of Nolotil also include relatively common hypertension and rare rashes and skin reactions. There are also rare cases of some degree of kidney and liver toxicity.
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Contraindications
Nolotil is a medicine with different contraindications that it is necessary to know , the first being being allergic to metamizol. Many people will not be aware of these, but in general this medication should be avoided if you have had reactions to other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
Women who are pregnant should also avoid this medicine, and also those who are breast-feeding. However, an infant older than three months or weighing more than 5 kilograms can take this drug if the pediatrician considers it appropriate.
There are patients with different specific conditions who should not take Nolotil either, such as those who have bone marrow deterioration, pathologies in the lymphatic system or porphyria. It is always pertinent to inform the doctor if other medicines are being taken or if they have been taken recently, including medicinal plants and homeopathic products. There are some interactions between active ingredients that must be avoided.
For example, you should avoid taking acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and Nolotil at the same time, as the latter reduces blood clotting. Nor with bupropion (antidepressant), since Nolotil can decrease its plasma concentration.
Interaction with other medications is more serious. This is the case of methotrexate, an anticancer drug that, when it interacts with Nolotil, can lead to blood-induced toxicity.
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Bibliographic references
- Arellano, F. y Sacristán, J.A. (1990). Metamizole: reassessment of its therapeutic role. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 38 (6), 617–619.
- Karin Hedenmal, K. y Spigset, O. (2002). Agranulocytosis and other blood dyscrasias associated with dipyrone (metamizole). European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 58 (4), 265–274.
- Rummel, W. (1987) Metamizole: Commentary on reports of life-threatening circulatory diseases. Dtsch Ärzteblatt, 84, B2408-B2412.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.