Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 25, 2025

The Isolation and Characterization of Low- and Normal- Density Neutrophils from Whole Blood
07:17

The Isolation and Characterization of Low- and Normal- Density Neutrophils from Whole Blood

Published on: February 7, 2025

1.1K

A possible increased risk of metamizole-associated neutropenia among COVID-19 patients

Tsahi T Lerman1,2, Moshe Sagi1,2, Yair Shafir1,2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine F-Recanati, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tiqva, Israel.

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|December 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Metamizole, a common pain and fever reducer, may pose an increased risk of severe neutropenia in COVID-19 patients. This rare but serious side effect warrants further investigation in the context of the pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Metamizole is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic.
  • Neutropenia and agranulocytosis are rare but serious side effects of metamizole.
  • COVID-19 frequently presents with fever and pain, suggesting potential increased metamizole use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the safety of metamizole in COVID-19 patients.
  • To report cases of severe neutropenia associated with metamizole in COVID-19 patients.
  • To raise awareness about a potential increased risk of metamizole-induced neutropenia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Case series describing three COVID-19 patients.
  • Analysis of metamizole treatment and development of neutropenia.
  • Clinical monitoring of adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Three COVID-19 patients developed severe neutropenia while treated with metamizole.
  • The neutropenia was temporally associated with metamizole administration.
  • No previous reports documented metamizole safety in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

  • Metamizole treatment may be associated with an increased risk of severe neutropenia in COVID-19 patients.
  • Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing metamizole to individuals with COVID-19.
  • Further research is needed to confirm this potential association and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2adverse drug reactionagranulocytosisdipyronemetamizoleneutropenia

More Related Videos

Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay05:52

Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay

Published on: May 12, 2023

1.6K
Author Spotlight: Genetic Profiling for Fluorouracil Response in Gastric Cancer06:21

Author Spotlight: Genetic Profiling for Fluorouracil Response in Gastric Cancer

Published on: May 10, 2024

990

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions01:25

Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions

Drug interactions occur when the pharmacological effect of one drug is altered by another substance, either enhancing or diminishing its activity. The drug whose activity is altered is known as the object drug, and the substance causing the alteration is called the agent drug or the precipitant. The net effects of these interactions are mostly undesirable, leading to decreased effectiveness or increased adverse effects. In rare cases, interactions can be beneficial, such as the enhanced...
134
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments01:11

Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments

In patients with renal impairment, drugs undergo significant changes in their pharmacokinetics, which require dosage adjustments to ensure safe and effective therapy.
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
270
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions01:26

Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions

A drug interaction occurs when the concurrent use of another drug, food, or an external substance alters the pharmacological activity of a drug. This interaction can modify the action of the original drug, affecting its effectiveness and safety.Drug–food interactions are significant as they impact drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion. For example, grapefruit juice is a well-known disruptor of drug metabolism. It inhibits the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, crucial for the metabolism of...
83
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment01:08

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment

Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
83
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion01:20

Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion

Drug metabolism, a critical process in the liver, involves two primary phases: Phase I reactions and Phase II conjugation. Obesity introduces significant alterations in this metabolic process, primarily due to fatty infiltration of the liver, leading to conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition can modify the activities of both Phase I and II enzymes, impacting how drugs are metabolized in obese patients.Phase I metabolism sees variable effects across...
81
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
80