Aminophylline / Papaverine / Phenobarbital
This medication combines three agents: a bronchodilator (aminophylline), a smooth muscle relaxant (papaverine), and a barbiturate sedative (phenobarbital). The combination was historically used for respiratory conditions involving bronchospasm, where the sedating properties of phenobarbital may have helped reduce anxiety and the vasodilating effects of papaverine complemented the bronchodilation. This is an older formulation not commonly used in modern clinical practice.
A historical combination of bronchodilator, smooth muscle relaxant, and sedative used for respiratory conditions with bronchospasm.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1007450
- Generic
- Aminophylline / Papaverine / Phenobarbital
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Historically used for conditions involving bronchospasm and respiratory difficulty, such as asthma and emphysema. The combination may have been selected when both bronchodilation and anxiety reduction were desired.
Aminophylline relaxes bronchial smooth muscle as a xanthine bronchodilator; papaverine acts as a non-specific smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator; phenobarbital provides sedative and anxiolytic effects as a barbiturate.
This is an older combination drug with significant drug interactions due to the barbiturate component. Phenobarbital induces liver enzymes and may reduce effectiveness of many medications. Due to the availability of safer alternatives, this combination is rarely prescribed today.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy