[Metamizol: current status in Dutch practice].

PubMed, vol. 166

Abstract

Metamizole is a non-selective NSAID with a strong analgesic and spasmolytic effect. In the late 1970s, metamizole has been withdrawn from the market in many industrialized countries because of an allegedly unacceptable high risk of agranulocytosis. The absolute risk of metamizole-related agranulocytosis is estimated to be less than 1 per million daily doses. The incidence of agranulocytosis may be reduced by short-term use and careful consideration when prescribing to specific patient categories. Metamizole has a relatively favorable safety profile with respect to morbidity and mortality compared to other NSAIDs. In the Netherlands the official registration of metamizole has been limited for years to intravenous and postoperative use. In March 2021, the Dutch Medicine Assessment Board certified one oral formulation of metamizol under strict conditions. The debate about the wider application of (oral) metamizole in the Netherlands should be re-opened.

Authors 4

1. Anouk T.N. van Diepen

   Radboud University Nijmegen · Radboud University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Nijmegen

   Contact: Anouk T.N. van Diepen (Anouk.vanDiepen@radboudumc.nl)

2. Pieter Jan Simons Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Anesthesiologie, Leiden

3. Jacqueline M. Bos

   Canisius-Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis

   Affiliation as printed

   Canisius Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis, afd. Klinische Farmacie, Nijmegen

4. Cornelis Kramers

   Radboud University Nijmegen · Radboud University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Nijmegen