Each of us sometimes has a headache or other pain. The natural reaction in this case is to drink a painkiller. One of the most popular painkillers is analgin. This remedy is affordable, sold without a prescription and, most importantly, effectively relieves pain. Let's figure out whether analgin can be used during pregnancy.
Despite the wide selection of painkillers in pharmacies, many people habitually buy analgin. This drug quickly and effectively relieves pain, so it will help out in a variety of situations. However, it is not recommended to take analgin during pregnancy. Taking the drug may lead to negative consequences.
What is Analgin
Analgin is an analgesic and antipyretic drug, a pyrazolone derivative. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic effects due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. The active substance of the drug is metamizole sodium.
Appearance (photo) Analgin
Produced in the form of powder, tablets (0.5 g), solutions in ampoules of 1 and 2 ml (25% and 50%). For children, rectal suppositories (dosage 200 mg) and tablets are produced, in which the active substance is 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15 g.
You can buy the drug in pharmacies. Average prices:
- tablets 500 mg, 10 pieces - 20 rubles;
- solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration, 0.5 g/ml, 2 ml, 10 ampoules - 75 rubles;
- suppositories - from 60 rub.
Mechanism of action
Metamizole was first synthesized by the German chemist Ludwig Knorr in 1920, and just two years later a new painkiller appeared on the market under the name Novalgin. According to the classification, Analgin belongs to non-opioid painkillers.
There are three main effects of Analgin:
- An anesthetic, which, like all NSAIDs, is based on suppressing the synthesis of COX and blocking the production of prostaglandins.
- Antipyretic, which is also activated due to the ability of metamizole to block the production of prostaglandins.
- Antispasmodic, occurring due to the suppression of the release of calcium that exists inside the cells, spreading mainly to the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary and urinary tracts.
The effect of Analgin develops quite quickly, after about 20 minutes, and its duration can reach four hours.
Indications
Is Analgin possible during pregnancy? Let's see in what cases this drug is recommended to be taken.
The main indications for taking Analgin are:
- headache;
- migraine;
- toothache;
- muscle pain;
- pain after surgery;
- increased body temperature;
- fever;
- radiculitis;
- kidney diseases;
- nervous breakdowns;
- painful sensations arising from frostbite or burns.
The action of Analgin is aimed at inhibiting components that are involved in the inflammatory process and uterine contractions. The drug effectively eliminates spasms of the genitourinary system.
Analgin has a calming effect on the nervous system of pregnant women, preventing the occurrence of pain impulses. It also helps to reduce the threshold of excitability of pain sensitivity centers.
A characteristic feature of metamizole sodium is its peripheral analgesic effect, blocking any discomfort in the area of inflammatory processes. This property distinguishes Analgin from non-steroidal drugs.
Analgin is quickly absorbed during pregnancy and enters the bloodstream. After this, it penetrates the tissues and liver, where it decomposes and is excreted along with urine. At the same time, metamizole sodium is excreted along with breast milk, for this reason the drug is not recommended to be taken during lactation.
To relieve acute pain in pregnant women, a combination of Analgin and Diphenhydramine is often used. But this can only be done as prescribed by a doctor.
Taking the drug does not lead to congenital pathologies in the child. Analgin is safe for the pregnant woman and the fetus, but only if it is taken in doses and strictly under the supervision of a specialist.
How does the drug work?
Analgin belongs to the group of non-narcotic painkillers, that is, it eliminates the symptom, but does not affect mental functions.
In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. Effective against mild to moderate pain. But in inflammatory processes it is rarely used, since its effect on them is insignificant. Analgin begins to act very quickly, especially when administered intravenously or intramuscularly. However, its effect is short-term, so the pain syndrome is not always completely eliminated.
During pregnancy, Analgin is used for fever caused by an infectious-inflammatory disease, as well as for pain syndromes of various origins.
Most often the drug is used for the following conditions:
- neuralgia;
- myositis;
- radiculitis;
- rheumatism;
- osteochondrosis;
- migraine attacks;
- renal colic;
- toothache and headache.
To eliminate fever, Analgin and Diphenhydramine are prescribed together; during pregnancy, this combination is acceptable in the later stages, in case of emergency. Read more about how to bring down a high temperature during pregnancy→
Advantages and disadvantages
The drug has a number of advantages and disadvantages, let's take a look at them. The advantages include:
- affordable price;
- Available from different manufacturers and in different forms;
- available without a prescription;
- elimination of any pain syndrome;
- After use, the drug begins to act almost immediately and the pain subsides.
Minuses:
- the drug only dulls the pain, and does not fight the cause that caused it;
- inability to use during breastfeeding;
- presence of side effects;
- there is a risk of addiction.
In the last trimester
From the 34th week, immediately before childbirth, the medicine becomes especially dangerous for a pregnant woman because:
- Reduces blood clotting, which leads to significant blood loss during childbirth - this is fatal.
- Blocks the production of a hormone-like substance - prostaglandin, which is responsible for the tone of the uterus and the preservation of intrauterine blood flow.
- It provokes prenatal narrowing of the vagina, oligohydramnios, and closure of the ductus arteriosus.
- Leads to anemia.
- It affects the immune system of both mother and child.
- Reduces the level of leukocytes in the blood, which leads to suppressed immunity and defenselessness against infectious and viral diseases.
Use of Analgin during pregnancy
Expectant mothers often face the question of which medications are safe to take and which ones should be avoided. And during acute attacks of pain, is it possible to drink Analgin or is it better to use its analogues?
Below we will talk about the possibility of using the drug by trimester.
1st trimester
In the early stages of pregnancy, it is recommended to refrain from taking Analgin. This is due to the formation of the organs and systems of the unborn child, and the use of any medicine can negatively affect this process. Unpleasant consequences include disturbances in the formation of organs and systems in the baby.
If a specialist prescribes a drug in the first trimester of pregnancy, then it can be taken only if the benefits for the pregnant woman outweigh the risks for the fetus.
Pregnant woman at the pharmacy
2nd trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is a relatively safe period for taking Analgin. But at the same time, you should follow the prescribed dosage of the drug and in no case exceed it. If it is possible to do without a painkiller, then it is better to refuse it and use other methods to eliminate the ailment.
3rd trimester
In late pregnancy, the use of Analgin poses a certain threat to the fetus. Of particular danger is taking the drug from the 34th week of pregnancy.
The use of the drug at this stage causes a decrease in the release of the required number of platelets in the peripheral blood. Platelets in the body are responsible for blood clotting. During childbirth and the postpartum period, poor blood clotting can lead to various serious complications. In addition, Analgin provokes the production of prostaglandins, which causes weak labor.
Interaction with other drugs
When Analgin is taken together with other medications, it can significantly influence their effect. Of course, many of them (for example, antidepressants, barbiturates, tranquilizers, etc.) are strictly prohibited for pregnant women, as well as alcohol (painkillers always enhance the effect of intoxication). However, for the expectant mother, the information is relevant that when taking Analgin together with other non-narcotic analgesics, the toxic effect is enhanced, and with the simultaneous use of anticoagulants (blood thinners), the effect of the latter will be more pronounced.
Instructions for use
Only the attending physician should prescribe Analgin during pregnancy. The drug is taken orally, injections are used for intravenous and intramuscular administration.
The dosage is 0.25 g up to 2-3 times a day. When treating rheumatism, it is permissible to use no more than 1 g of the drug.
Intramuscular and intravenous injections of 1-2 mg of a 25% solution can cope with severe pain during pregnancy. Up to 2-3 injections per day are allowed, but not more than 2 g of the drug.
Analgin - is it possible for pregnant women at different stages?
Experts advise starting dental treatment at the stage of pregnancy planning. Firstly, this will allow you to eliminate oral ailments without harm to the child. Secondly, you can use medications that are prohibited during pregnancy.
The danger of a bad tooth while carrying a child:
- Along with the pain, the concentration of adrenaline may increase, which is likely to cause bleeding in the early stages.
- A source of infection in a pregnant woman’s mouth can travel through the bloodstream to the fetus, causing changes in the child’s development.
- It is not recommended to perform dental anesthesia during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, since the blood-placental barrier has not yet formed. There is also a possibility of toxic effects of the medicine on the child.
Analgin is a non-narcotic analgesic that eliminates pain without consequences for the nervous system; it also has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Unfortunately, headaches or toothaches are not uncommon during pregnancy, so the desire to take this drug may appear more than once during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. And here it’s worth thinking about - is this safe for the unborn baby and mother?
The effect of the medication on the fetus depends on the duration of pregnancy. Particular attention should be paid during the first trimester, that is, until the 12th week. The first trimester is the period when the formation of the organs and systems of the unborn baby occurs, therefore at this time you can only take vitamins and, if indicated, hormonal therapy, therefore the use of this medication in the first trimester is strictly prohibited.
This ban is due to the severe consequences of taking Analgin during early pregnancy, which can cause:
- organ malformations,
- congenital malignant neoplasms,
- miscarriage at short term,
- uterine bleeding,
- underdevelopment of pregnancy.
All these defects arise due to underdevelopment of the placenta, which is a natural barrier for the fetus from harmful influences; it is not yet fully formed and all harmful components directly reach the fetus.
Important! Expectant fathers are also prohibited from taking Analgin when planning a child, since the drug negatively affects the quality and motility of sperm.
During the second trimester, 14 - 28 weeks, a pregnant woman can use the drug, but according to the strict instructions of the attending physician. As a rule, it is used once, if fever or severe pain does not provide relief from other means. However, this does not mean that the drug has become absolutely safe for the mother and the unborn baby.
Taking Analgin during the third trimester should also be of a single nature, since, starting from the 30th week, it has a significant effect on blood clotting.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to take this analgesic from the 34th week of pregnancy.
- A decrease in the level of platelets in the mother's blood.
- Development of oligohydramnios.
- Lead to the occurrence of agranulocytosis - the absence of specific leukocytes responsible for the mother’s immunity.
- Suppression of the production of prostaglandins, which leads to weakness of labor.
Important! Analgin should not be used during lactation.
Contraindications
It is recommended to limit the use of the drug in the following cases:
- a history of aspirin-induced bronchial asthma;
- individual intolerance;
- hypersensitivity to metamizole;
- disruption of the hematopoietic system;
- bone marrow suppression;
- acute intermittent porphyria;
- arterial hypotension;
- suspicion of acute surgical pathology;
- congenital hemolytic anemia due to a lack of the cytosolic enzyme G6PD.
Side effects include:
- allergic rashes, skin itching, redness and urticaria;
- a sharp decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood due to the number of granulocytes;
- decrease in the level of granulocytes in the blood;
- decrease in platelet count below 150⋅109/l;
- hypotension;
- hemorrhage;
- interstitial nephritis.
Headache in a pregnant woman
Why is Analgin banned all over the world?
It turns out that Analgin, popular in our country, is a drug prohibited throughout the world and it is impossible to find metamizole sodium in a European medicine cabinet. People first started talking about the fact that it is very dangerous in the late 60s of the last century, and already in 1972 the drug was banned in Sweden, and 5 years later the United States followed suit.
After numerous studies, Western doctors have found that it is dangerous and leads to a number of serious diseases:
- Suppression of bone marrow functions.
- Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.
- A chronic allergic reaction may occur.
- The risk of developing agranulocytosis increases,
- May lead to bleeding due to stomach ulcers and liver diseases.
Interesting! There is an opinion among pharmacists that in fact Analgin was banned after the appearance of Paracetamol, thus getting rid of the competing drug.
Overdose
Uncontrolled use of the drug or failure to comply with the recommended dose can lead to an overdose, which is manifested by the following symptoms:
- decreased blood pressure;
- delirium;
- convulsions;
- liver or kidney failure;
- confusion;
- drowsiness;
- dyspnea;
- nausea and vomiting.
If such signs occur, you should discontinue the drug and immediately seek medical help.
Non-hazardous drug substitutes
Doctors do not recommend enduring pain, much less leaving fever and fever untreated, allowing the use of analgin with diphenhydramine. Is it possible to do without these unsafe medications during pregnancy? Quite, because traditional medicine recipes come to the rescue:
- Mild rubbing of the temples, a cool shower, and applying cabbage leaves to the area of pain help with migraines and headaches.
- For back pain, rubbing with menovazine tincture will relieve the condition.
- Rinsing with decoctions of medicinal herbs and plants (cloves, chamomile, sage) or antiseptic solutions will help relieve toothache.
- Pain in the abdomen and pelvic organs will be eliminated by No-Shpa, but in this case it is important to find out the cause of the pain in order to identify possible pathologies in time.
Among pharmacological drugs you can also find a safe alternative to analgin: these are No-Shpa, Riabal and Paracetomol.
At the end of the last century, the World Health Organization recommended that all countries in the world abandon the use of analgin, but in our country it is still widely used. Whether it is possible to drink analgin during pregnancy to relieve pain and fever or not is up to the woman to decide, but you need to remember the possible risks to your health and the life of the baby. However, if there is no urgent need to take the medicine, it is better not to risk it.
Analogs
If for some reason it is impossible to take Analgin, it can be replaced with analogues, but only with the permission of a doctor. It should be borne in mind that such medications also have a number of contraindications and can only be used in certain trimesters.
List of analogues:
- Nurofen - has antipyretic and analgesic effects;
- No-Shpa - helps to cope with various types of pain;
- Paracetamol - effectively eliminates elevated body temperature;
- Ibuprofen - has an anti-inflammatory effect, eliminates pain and fever;
- Citramon - eliminates pain, reduces temperature, neutralizes inflammatory processes.
Whether you should take Analgin during pregnancy or not is up to you and your doctor to decide. According to reviews from women, for the majority, the use of this drug during pregnancy did not lead to negative consequences, but only reduced unpleasant symptoms caused by fever and various types of pain.
If possible, you should still avoid using any medications during pregnancy, since it is not known exactly how a pregnant woman’s body will react to a particular drug. And remember - taking any medications must be agreed with your doctor; only in this case can possible complications be minimized.
Analogs of the drug approved during gestation
The drug Analgin has quite a few structural analogues. In a number of them, the effect of metamizole sodium is enhanced by other components. For example, these are painkillers Analgin-Quinine, Tempalgin, Spazmalgon, Spazgan, etc. However, they all carry the same potential danger during pregnancy.
Analgin has many structural analogues, in which the effect of metamizole sodium is enhanced by other components, for example, Tempalgin
A more acceptable option for the expectant mother is the following functional analogues of Analgin:
- Paracetamol. The drug can be taken in reasonable quantities throughout pregnancy. Although its breakdown also produces toxins, their concentration is very low, and harmful substances are quickly eliminated from the body. The product may be in the form of tablets or suspension.
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Ibufen). You just don’t need to use it in the 3rd trimester, since the drug stops the synthesis of prostaglandins and reduces the amount of amniotic fluid. It can also be consumed in the form of tablets and suspensions.
- No-shpa (or Drotaverine). The tablets are classified as antispasmodics, so the remedy will be effective if the pain is associated specifically with spasms (for example, when a woman has pulsations in her temples or pulls in the lower abdomen with uterine tone).
- External painkillers - ointments and creams (based on ketoprofen, diclofenac). Will have an effect on muscle and joint pain. These funds are not used in the 3rd trimester.
Photo gallery: functional analogues of Analgin, approved for the expectant mother
Pregnant women can take ibuprofen in the 1st and 2nd trimesters
For pain in muscles and joints, a pregnant woman can use ointments and creams based on ketoprofen or diclofenac
The concentration of toxins in paracetamol is very low and they are quickly eliminated from the body
Antispasmodic No-shpa will be effective if the pain is due to spasms
Of course, all these means also cannot be used uncontrollably. Each of them has its own contraindications and can have side effects. Before use, the expectant mother should definitely study the instructions and discuss the situation with her doctor.
