Papaverine
Overview
Papaverine
Rectal suppositories, 20 mg
COMPOSITION
Each suppository contains the active substance papaverine hydrochloride 20 mg.
Excipient: semi-synthetic solid glycerides.
WHAT IT IS USED FOR
An antispasmodic medicine (it relaxes smooth muscle), used to relieve spasms of: the abdominal organs (cholecystitis, pylorospasm, spastic colitis, renal colic), the peripheral vessels (endarteritis), the cerebral vessels (migraine), the heart (angina pectoris, as part of combination therapy) and the bronchi (bronchospasm).
HOW IT WORKS
Papaverine relaxes the smooth muscle of the internal organs (digestive tract, airways, genitourinary system) and of the blood vessels, thereby reducing spasm and the associated pain. At high doses it also has a mild sedative effect.
HOW TO USE
Administered rectally. Adults and adolescents: 1–2 suppositories 2–3 times a day, inserted into the rectum after a bowel movement (spontaneous or after an enema). Not for use in children under 14 years.
WHEN IT SHOULD NOT BE USED
hypersensitivity to papaverine hydrochloride or to any of the excipients;
atrioventricular block;
glaucoma;
severe hepatic impairment;
advanced age (risk of hyperthermia);
children under 14 years of age.
Important to know
Use with caution (at low doses) after head injury and in patients with chronic renal failure, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, prostate enlargement, supraventricular tachycardia or shock. Tell your doctor about other medicines: papaverine may reduce the effect of levodopa and methyldopa, and combining it with barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, procainamide, reserpine or quinidine may alter its effects.
Avoid alcohol during treatment. Smoking reduces the vasodilator effect. As it may cause drowsiness, avoid driving and activities requiring attention. During pregnancy, use only as directed by your doctor, and breast-feeding should be stopped during treatment. Read the package leaflet carefully before use.
Possible side effects
Possible: drowsiness, constipation, lowered blood pressure, allergic reactions (urticaria, itching, skin rash), eosinophilia.
Cardiac: atrioventricular block, extrasystoles; hepatic: increased liver enzymes.
If side effects occur, stop using the product and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
STORAGE
Store below 25 °C. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children. Shelf life: 36 months.
QUESTIONS AND CONTACTS
For questions about the medicine, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. Manufacturer: FARMAPRIM SRL, 5 Crinilor str., Porumbeni village, Criuleni district, Republic of Moldova, MD-4829. Pharmacovigilance: safety@farmaprim.md.
Brief information prepared on the basis of the approved Summary of Product Characteristics. It does not replace consultation with a doctor or pharmacist and does not contain all information about the medicine. Always read the package leaflet.