Papaverine

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.

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.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Papaverine may cause side effects. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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flushing (feeling of warmth)</li>
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sweating</li>
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headache</li>
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tiredness</li>
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dizziness</li>
<li>
skin rash</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
loss of appetite</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
constipation</li>
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stomach pain</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
yellowing of the skin or eyes</li>
<li>
irregular heartbeat</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

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. 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.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.