Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology
-
Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch. Pharmacol. · May 2017
Selective venous vasodilator properties of the analgesic metamizole (dipyrone) in a human ex vivo model-implications for postoperative pain management.
Metamizole (dipyrone) is a first-line, non-opioid analgesic used for postoperative pain management. Clinical data and animal experiments indicate a possible vasodilator action of this drug. We investigated the effects of metamizole on human artery and vein tone in an ex vivo model to assess potential contributions to venous pooling. ⋯ The vasoconstrictor effect is mediated by cyclooxygenase-derived products. The net effect is site-specific, resulting in a selective venous vasodilator action. This may exacerbate unwanted venous pooling during postoperative pain therapy.