Who has had fever However, this is not its only indication: The drug can also relieve symptoms such as headache e muscular pain Classified as an antipyretic and analgesic, dipyrone is an over-the-counter medication and, therefore, can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription. Anyway, it is important to be careful, as we will explain later.

What is dipyrone and what is it used for?

Marketed in over 100 countries, dipyrone is an analgesic and antipyretic from the pyrazolone group. It serves, in other words, to "reduce and treat fever peaks," says Dr. Nelson Douglas Ejzenbaum, a pediatrician and neonatologist. In addition, it is well tolerated and relieves fever and pain symptoms within minutes. Thus, dipyrone causes a drop in fever 30 to 60 minutes after use. Its peakaction, i.e. maximum effect, can occur within 4 hours.

There are several types of dipyrone: tablet (common or effervescent), drops, syrup, injectable (indicated for hospital use) or suppository. It is important to respect the dosages indicated on the package insert¹ and to start using this medication from the smallest dosages available, leaving the larger ones for more serious situations.

How does the medicine work in the body?

According to Dr. Thiago, dipyrone is metabolized by the liver and excreted through the urinary tract: "Its analgesic capacity is due to the inhibition of nociceptor synthesis, nerve endings that are sensitive to pain.normalization in heat production," he explains.

Remember that the pills must be ingested, preferably, with water. In the case of the drops format, as the medicine is bitter, it is possible to dilute them in a little water.

For whom is dipyrone indicated and contraindicated?

According to the pediatrician, children can use dipyrone starting at 3 months of age. In this case, different pharmaceutical forms (drops or oral solution, for example) are indicated for each age group, as well as specific dosages according to their weight,explains Dr. Nelson.

The drug is contraindicated in some situations: "People who have anaphylactoid reactions, such as urticaria, angioedema, should avoid using it, as well as those with hypersensitivity to dipyrone or any of the components in its formulation. Patients with impaired bone marrow function should also avoid it," says Dr. Thiago.

During pregnancy, explains the general practitioner, the use must be evaluated by the doctor. Finally, as for the elderly, the dose of dipyrone will correspond to that of adults depending on their general state of health. In the case of debilitated people, a doctor must evaluate them to define the therapy (dose and time of use).

Side Effects

Side effects are rare, but symptoms such as drowsiness, gastric malaise, and even dizziness can occur. In even rarer cases, it can cause hypothermia.

"The side effects of dipyrone can range from changes in the immune system (anaphylactic shock, itching, burning, redness), gastrointestinal (associated with bleeding), renal (worsening of kidney function in patients already with chronic kidney disease), vascular, skin, and even in the blood." However, as already mentioned, the effects are considered rare. The biggest threat, in turn, is theIf fever, pain, or other symptoms recur, seek medical attention, not least because dipyrone or other drugs can mask the condition.

Overdosage

According to experts, overdosing, also called overdose, can cause malaise, abdominal pain, headache, very intense vomiting, as well as central nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, coma, and even convulsions, in some cases with a drop in blood pressure sometimes progressing to shock and cardiac arrhythmias. "All these symptoms can happen incase of overdose, but these are rare episodes," adds the pediatrician.

Some recommendations about dipyrone

• Pay attention to the medicine's expiration date, which in the case of dipyrone is 24 months;
• Always keep the medication in its package and never discard the package insert¹ until you finish the treatment;
• Read the package leaflet¹ or the instructions for use of the drug carefully;
• Take the pills whole;
• Avoid prolonged use of the drug;
• Choose a place protected from light and moisture for storage and out of reach of children.

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Source: Dr. Nelson Douglas Ejzenbaum, pediatrician and neonatologist, member of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and American Academy of Pediatrics; Dr. Thiago Piccirillo, general practitioner at São Camilo Hospitals Network (SP).

NOVALGINA® (dipyrone monohydrate). Indications: analgesic and antipyretic. MS: 1.8326.0351. THE USE OF THE MEDICINE CAN BRING SOME RISKS. Read the package insert carefully . IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, A DOCTOR SHOULD BE CONSULTED. April 2022. MAT-BR-2201504; 1 - Package insert.