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.

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.

Papaverine Hydrochloride Injection, USP (papaverine hydrochloride injection) , is supplied in multiple-dose vials, 30 mg/mL, 10 mL, with 0.5% chlorobutanol (chloroform derivative) NDC 55390-107-10.

Manufactured for: Bedford Laboratories™ Bedford, OH 44146. Manufactured by: Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc. Bedford, OH 44146. March 1999.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/25/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.