What is this medicine?
PAPAVERINE (pa PAV er een) is a vasodilator. It relaxes the blood vessels which makes it easier for blood to pass through them. It is used to treat certain conditions that cause blood vessels to spasm. This medicine may also be used to relieve the spasms associated with urinary tract, gallbladder or stomach.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-heart 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?
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This medicine is for injection into a vein or muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
-levodopa
-medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems like diazepam or temazepam
-prescription pain medicines
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-fast or irregular heartbeat
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-stomach pain
-vomiting
-yellowing or the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-decreased appetite
-diarrhea or constipation
-headache
-nausea
-sweating or flushing
Where should I keep my medicine?
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This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
