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. Excess segments of bypass grafts were harvested during coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. Tensions were measured in an organ bath for 120 min after adding metamizole to the preconstricted vessels. Contribution of endothelium was assessed in endothelium-denuded vessels, and indometacin was used to identify cyclooxygenase-mediated effects. Internal mammary arteries (n = 6) constricted after addition of 1, 3, and 10 μM metamizole and remained constricted at the lower doses. Transient constrictions also occurred in saphenous veins (n = 20), but veins relaxed below solvent controls after 20 min at all concentrations. Endothelium removal (n = 12) and cyclooxygenase inhibition (n = 12) suppressed the vasoconstrictor effect but not the vasodilator effect. Metamizole and its metabolites display counteracting effects on blood vessel tone ex vivo. 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.
Keywords: Analgesia; Cyclooxygenase; Vasodilation; Venous pooling.