What is Novolin used to treat


This active ingredient is in Novalgin

Metamizole, the active ingredient in Novalgin, has an analgesic effect by preventing the production of tissue hormones (prostaglandins) in the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for pain, blood clotting and inflammation. Its antipyretic effect is based on influencing the temperature regulation center in the brain.

When is Novalgin used?

The drug is only used for very severe pain, such as those that occur after surgery, for colic (severe, cramping pain, e.g. with kidney stones) or in cancer patients. If you have a fever, Novalgin should only be used if other antipyretic drugs are not effective.

What are the Novalgin side effects?

Uncommon side effects of Novalgin include a blistered rash and a drop in blood pressure. Less often allergic reactions can occur, which manifest themselves as reddening of the skin, sneezing, runny nose and swelling of the face.

In very rare cases, the white blood cells are destroyed (agranulocytosis). This is followed by symptoms such as sudden chills, sore throat and high fever. Furthermore, inflammations in the mouth, nose, throat and genital or anal area are possible.

If you experience severe or not mentioned side effects, you should always consult a doctor and discontinue the medication.

You should keep this in mind when using Novalgin

The application is usually in the form of Novalgin drops or Novalgin film-coated tablets. The specified maximum dose must not be exceeded. The Novalgin dosage depends on the age of the patient and the type of preparation.

In general, the following applies to Novalgin tablets:

  • Single dose for adults and adolescents from 15 years of age: 500 to 1,000 mg (corresponds to one or two tablets), maximum daily dose: 4,000 mg
  • Single dose for children from ten to 14 years of age: 500 mg (corresponds to one tablet), maximum daily dose: 2,000 mg

The dosage of Novalgin drops for adults and adolescents over 15 years of age is 20 to 40 drops (corresponds to 500 to 1,000 mg) and a maximum of 120 drops per day.

For children under ten years of age, the dosage can be further adjusted depending on their age. The lower limit here is for babies aged three to eleven months and is two to four drops per single dose and a maximum of twelve drops per day.

As an alternative, Novalgin suppositories for children (300 mg per suppository) can be administered from the age of four.

Interactions and contraindications

The drug must not be used:

  • in the case of a known allergy to the active ingredient contained or to other components of the product
  • if other pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen are known to cause shortness of breath and allergic reactions
  • if there is a disorder of the bone marrow function
  • in the last trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding

Interactions can occur:

  • when taking ciclosporin (immunosuppressant) at the same time
  • when taking chlorpromazine (neuroleptic).
  • with various anticoagulants and antihypertensive agents


Too high a dose of Novalgin can lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and impaired kidney function up to and including kidney failure. In any case, an overdose requires medical and possibly even intensive care treatment.

pregnancy and breast feeding period

If possible, Novalgin should be avoided and other pain relievers should be used throughout pregnancy. Only a few studies are available for use during breastfeeding. Cases of oxygen deficiency have been observed in infants who had ingested the active substance through breast milk. Here, too, should therefore not be taken.

Driving and using machines

If the pain reliever Novalgin is taken according to the instructions, no impairment of the ability to concentrate or reaction time is known. Ingesting high doses and consuming alcohol can impair cognition. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid alcohol when taking Novalgin.

How to get Novalgin

Novalgin is a prescription drug and is available from pharmacies upon presentation of a prescription. The drug can be purchased in the form of tablets, drops, or suppositories.

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