Dipyrone is the preferred nonopioid analgesic for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. A survey of clinical practice in German-speaking countries.

PURPOSE

Nonopioid analgesics are frequently used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Dipyrone is an alternative to NSAIDs and paracetamol, however, data on the frequency of its usage by anaesthesiologists in the perioperative and chronic pain setting are lacking and its adverse reactions are a matter of debate.

METHODS

The link to a questionnaire on the use of nonopioid analgesics (NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, paracetamol, dipyrone) and the safety of dipyrone in the perioperative and chronic pain setting was mailed to anaesthesiologists and pain physicians.

RESULTS

A total of 2237 responses were analysed. About 97.4% of the respondents used nonopioid analgesics for the treatment of acute pain, with 93.8% administering dipyrone, 54.0% NSAIDs, 41.8% COX-2 inhibitors and 49.2% paracetamol. Nonopioid analgesics were administered preoperatively by 22.3%, intraoperatively by 86.1% and postoperatively by 73.0% of the respondents. For chronic pain management, 76.7% of the respondents prescribed oral dipyrone in combination with other nonopioid analgesics; 19.9% used dipyrone as sole nonopioid, whereas 2.9% denied its use. Cases of dipyrone-associated agranulocytosis were observed by 3.5% of the respondents of the acute and 1.5% of the chronic pain questionnaire, respectively. The majority of respondents (acute pain: 73.0%, chronic pain 59.3%) performed no blood cell counts to monitor dipyrone therapy. Patients were rarely informed about possible adverse drug reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Dipyrone is the preferred nonopioid analgesic in the perioperative and chronic pain setting. Although cases of agranulocytosis occur, benefits apparently outweigh the risks according to anaesthesiologists. Measures like patient information may improve safety.

SIGNIFICANCE

A survey of anaesthesiologist in German-speaking countries revealed dipyrone as preferred nonopioid analgesic for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Benefits seem to outweigh the risks, specifically the risk of agranulocytosis. Information of medical staff and patients on adverse drug reactions and symptoms of agranulocytosis should be implemented.