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Updated: May 10, 2025

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Across the Border: A Metamizole Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Swati Mahapatra1, Shivangini Duggal1, Monica Botros1
1Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, USA.
Metamizole (dipyrone), a common pain reliever in Latin America, can cause rare but serious drug-induced liver injury (DILI). This case highlights the importance of considering metamizole when evaluating liver damage in patients using this widely available medication.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Pharmacology
- Adverse Drug Reactions
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Metamizole (dipyrone) is a widely used analgesic, antipyretic, and spasmolytic medication, particularly in Latin America and parts of Europe.
- While often grouped with NSAIDs, metamizole has unique safety concerns, including rare but serious agranulocytosis and uncommon reports of drug-induced liver injury (DILI).
- Its availability as an over-the-counter medication in many regions necessitates awareness of potential adverse effects, including liver toxicity.
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