What is Papaverine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Papaverine overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Papaverine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats angina, heart problems, and blood vessel problems by relaxing muscles and blood vessels. Also used to relax other muscles, such as the ones in the digestive system.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Peripheral Vasodilator

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Papaverine used for?

What form(s) does Papaverine come in

  • Injectable

What are common Papaverine doses?

  • Vial 2ML of 30MG/ML

  • Bottle 5GM of

  • Bottle 25GM of

Common Papaverine prescriptions

  • Papaverine HCl
    2ml of 30mg/ml vial

How to take Papaverine

  • This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and how often you should receive this medicine.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and how often you should receive this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Papaverine

Papaverine contraindications

  • You should not receive this medicine if you have heart rhythm problems. You should not use this medicine if you have trouble having sex (in men).

Papaverine warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma or liver disease.

  • Fast heartbeat.

  • Severe diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

  • Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Papaverine interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma or liver disease.

Papaverine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Severe diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

  • Dark colored urine.

  • Fast heartbeat.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain, itching, burning, or swelling under your skin where the medicine was given.

  • Headache, body aches, sweating, or weakness.

  • Drowsiness or dizziness.

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

  • Constipation, nausea, mild abdominal pain, or loss of appetite.

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