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Papaverine is recommended in various conditions accompanied by spasm of smooth muscle, such as vascular spasm associated with acute myocardial infarction (coronary occlusion), angina pectoris, peripheral and pulmonary embolism, peripheral vascular disease in which there is a vasospastic element, or certain cerebral angiospastic states; and visceral spasm, as in ureteral, biliary, or gastrointestinal colic.
Dosage
Papaverine Hydrochloride may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The intravenous route is recommended when an immediate effect is desired, but the drug must be injected slowly over the course of 1 or 2 minutes to avoid uncomfortable or alarming side effects.
Parenteral administration of papaverine hydrochloride in doses of 1 to 4 mL is repeated every 3 hours as indicated. In the treatment of cardiac extrasystoles, 2 doses may be given 10 minutes apart.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
Condition1
Developed by:
Class of Recommendation:
Strength of Evidence:
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition2
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Papaverine in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
=====Erectile dysfunction
Initial, 30 mg INTRACAVERNOSAL over 1 to 2 min; may increase to 60 mg according to response
Do not use more than 3 times weekly or 2 days in succession[1]
Dosage
Condition2
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Papaverine in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
Condition1
Developed by:
Class of Recommendation:
Strength of Evidence:
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition2
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Papaverine in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
Arterial catheter occlusion; Prophylaxis
In pediatric patients aged 3 weeks to 18 years
Infusion of an arterial catheter solution containing papaverine 60 milligrams/500 milliliter (mL), and heparin 1 unit/mL, in normal or half-normal saline when the catheter remained in place for more than 4 days. [2]
Contraindications
Condition1
Warnings
Description
Precautions
Description
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
There is limited information regarding Clinical Trial Experience of Papaverine in the drug label.
Body as a Whole
Cardiovascular
Digestive
Endocrine
Hematologic and Lymphatic
Metabolic and Nutritional
Musculoskeletal
Neurologic
Respiratory
Skin and Hypersensitivy Reactions
Special Senses
Urogenital
Miscellaneous
Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Papaverine in the drug label.