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Metamizole (Dipyrone)

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Pyrazolone analgesic / Antipyretic / Antispasmodic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Inhibits COX-3 (central) and blocks prostaglandin synthesis; also has direct smooth muscle spasmolytic effects; widely used in Indian veterinary practice

At a glance

Class
Pyrazolone analgesic / Antipyretic / Antispasmodic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1970-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Pain / Fever / Visceral colic (antispasmodic)
Dose
20–35 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV (slow), IM, SC
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
1500 mg/dose; 4500 mg/day
Duration: Short-term (3–5 days); do not use long-term
🐈

Cat

Fever / Acute pain
Dose
20–25 mg/kg
Route
IV (slow), IM, SC
Frequency
BID
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 500 mg/day
Duration: Short-term only (1–3 days); avoid PO in cats if possible

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
500mg
Available in India
💉

Injection — 1

Strength
500mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity to pyrazolones

Use with caution

  • Pre-existing bone marrow suppression
    Risk of agranulocytosis
  • Cats (use cautiously, short-term only)
    Limited safety data in cats

Adverse effects

Common
Mild GI upset
Hypotension (IV too rapid)
Serious
Agranulocytosis (rare)
Aplastic anemia (rare)
Anaphylaxis

Monitoring parameters

Temperature (antipyretic response)CBC (if prolonged use)Blood pressure (IV)

Interactions

Major — 1

Methotrexate
major
Metamizole may reduce renal clearance of methotrexate and both cause bone marrow suppression
Management: Avoid concurrent use during methotrexate therapy. Use opioids for analgesia.

Brands

International

Novalgin
Sanofi

India

Analgin Vet
Intas
Novalgin
Sanofi India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Metamizole (Dipyrone)?
Metamizole (Dipyrone) is a pyrazolone analgesic / antipyretic / antispasmodic used in pets. Inhibits COX-3 (central) and blocks prostaglandin synthesis; also has direct smooth muscle spasmolytic effects; widely used in Indian veterinary practice
›What is Metamizole (Dipyrone) used for in pets?
Metamizole (Dipyrone) is used in veterinary medicine for: Pain / Fever / Visceral colic (antispasmodic); Fever / Acute pain.
›What is the Metamizole (Dipyrone) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Metamizole (Dipyrone) is typically dosed as follows — Pain / Fever / Visceral colic (antispasmodic): 20–35 mg/kg PO/IV (slow)/IM/SC BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Metamizole (Dipyrone) dose for cats?
For cats, Metamizole (Dipyrone) is typically dosed as follows — Fever / Acute pain: 20–25 mg/kg IV (slow)/IM/SC BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Metamizole (Dipyrone)?
Common: Mild GI upset, Hypotension (IV too rapid). Serious (call your vet immediately): Agranulocytosis (rare), Aplastic anemia (rare), Anaphylaxis.
›Does Metamizole (Dipyrone) need a prescription?
Yes. Metamizole (Dipyrone) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Metamizole (Dipyrone) not be used?
Do not use Metamizole (Dipyrone) if: Known hypersensitivity to pyrazolones.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Pyrazolone analgesic / Antipyretic / Antispasmodic).

Dipyrone (Metamizole)
Rx
Prodrug hydrolyzed to active metabolites (4-methylaminoantipyrine, 4-aminoantipyrine) that inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 centrally and peripherally, reduce prostaglandin synthesis, and have antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle. Potent antipyretic.
dogcat