Pijnbestrijding met metamizol in de Nederlandse praktijk

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In the late 1970s, metamizole has been withdrawn from the market in many industrialized countries because of an allegedly unacceptable high risk of agranulocytosis.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.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.