Papaverine

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (pa pav' er een)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Papaverine is used to improve blood flow in patients with circulation problems. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily to the heart and through the body.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.


How should this medicine be used?

Papaverine comes as a tablet and extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The tablet usually is taken three to five times a day at evenly spaced intervals. The extended-release capsule usually is taken every 8-12 hours. Do not crush, chew, or divide the extended-release capsules. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take papaverine exactly as directed.

Papaverine may be habit-forming. Do not take larger doses, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Papaverine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take papaverine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking papaverine without talking to your doctor.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking papaverine,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to papaverine or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet) and vitamins.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, an AV block (a heart rhythm disturbance), or glaucoma.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking papaverine, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking papaverine.
  • you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking papaverine. Alcohol can make the side effects from papaverine worse.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Papaverine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • flushing (feeling of warmth)
  • sweating
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • dizziness
  • skin rash
  • upset stomach
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • stomach pain
If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • irregular heartbeat


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Papaverine and Derivatives
  • Drugs Used in Erectile Dysfunction
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Urological Agents
  • Drugs for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Genito Urinary System and Sex Hormones
  • Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
  • Papaverine and derivatives
  • Drugs used in erectile dysfunction
Prescribed For the treatment of impotence and vasospasms.
Weight :339.385
Structure Papaverine
Generic Drug Papaverine prescribed For the treatment of impotence and vasospasms.
Formula

C20H21NO4

Papaverine has 1 Brands listed


Paparin (30 mg)

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