Drugs & Vitamins

Papaverine Injection Active Ingredients: Papaverine Injection What is papaverine injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with papaverine injection? What side effects may I notice from using papaverine? What should I watch for while taking papaverine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is papaverine injection? (Back to top) PAPAVERINE injection is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and makes them wider and allows blood to pass through them more easily. This increases the blood and oxygen supply to areas of the body that have become damaged from a lack of oxygen. Papaverine injection can also be used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm. Generic papaverine injection is available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have, or have had, any of these conditions: •an alcohol problem •heart disease or irregular heartbeats •liver disease •glaucoma •Parkinson's disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to papaverine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Papaverine can be injected into the veins and arteries as well as into the area around the spine, depending on the condition being treated. Only a specially trained health care professional will give papaverine in a hospital or clinic. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with papaverine injection? (Back to top) •alcohol •barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions) •medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam •medicines for Parkinson's disease •some medicines for pain (narcotic analgesics such as morphine, tramadol) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using papaverine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •fainting or falling spells •fast or irregular heartbeat •stomach pain •yellowing or the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •nausea or vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, constipation •dizziness •drowsiness •headache •sweating or flushing What should I watch for while taking papaverine? (Back to top) If you experience dizziness or feel faint, this may be due to the lowering of your blood pressure. Lie down immediately and raise your legs. If symptoms persist, call your prescriber or health care professional. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how papaverine affects you. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) You will only receive papaverine in a hospital or clinic setting. You will not need to take this medicine home. Last Updated:08/21/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.