Drugs >  Papaverine
Papaverine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(pa PAV er een)

Brand Names
Papacon®; Para-Time S.R.®; Pavabid® DSC; Pavacot®

Therapeutic Categories
Vasodilator

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to papaverine or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used for the treatment of poor blood flow to the brain and legs. It can be caused by spasm of the blood vessels.


How does it work?

  • Papaverine relaxes the walls of the blood vessels.


How is it best taken?

  • Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Feeling sleepy or dizzy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Flushing, sweating, and headache.


What should I monitor?

  • Follow up with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved

 

 

RELATED INFORMATION
  Interactions with herbs
Ephedra
Ginkgo Biloba
  Interactions with supplements
Calcium
Coenzyme Q10
Melatonin