Pavacot

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.

Papaverine is also used to treat impotence in men. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain tests to monitor your liver function.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

In the U.S.

• Papacon
• Para-Time S.R.
• Pavacot

Available Dosage Forms:

• Capsule, Extended Release
• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Peripheral Vasodilator

Papaverine belongs to the group of medicines called vasodilators. Vasodilators cause blood vessels to expand, thereby increasing blood flow. This medicine is used to treat problems resulting from poor blood circulation.

Papaverine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of papaverine in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Papaverine may reduce tolerance to cold temperatures in elderly patients.

Pregnancy

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Amifampridine
• Amisulpride
• Bepridil
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Piperaquine
• Riociguat
• Terfenadine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Amiodarone
• Aripiprazole Lauroxil
• Clozapine
• Dabrafenib
• Deutetrabenazine
• Efavirenz
• Fluconazole
• Foscarnet
• Hydroxyzine
• Ketoconazole
• Methadone
• Metronidazole
• Pimavanserin
• Pitolisant
• Posaconazole
• Quetiapine
• Ribociclib
• Sotalol
• Sulpiride
• Vemurafenib
• Vinflunine
• Zuclopenthixol

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Ginkgo

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Angina (chest pain) or
• Glaucoma or
• Heart disease or
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack), recent, or
• Stroke, recent—The chance of unwanted effects may be increased.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• blurred or double vision
• change in ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
• clay-colored stools
• dark urine
• decreased appetite
• deep, slow breathing
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• insomnia
• itching
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• painful or prolonged erection of the penis
• skin rash
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• trouble with breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weakness
• yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• flushed face
• itching skin
• nervousness
• palpitations
• pounding in the ears
• sensation of spinning
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• slow or fast heartbeat

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.