Papaverine
Papaverine is a smooth muscle relaxant used to treat spasms and pain in gastrointestinal, biliary, and urinary tracts by acting as an antispasmodic.
Papaverine is an antispasmodic medication that relaxes smooth muscle to treat spasms in the GI tract, biliary system, and urinary tract.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A03AD01
- RxNorm
- 7895
- Generic
- Papaverine
- Class
- atc-a03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet, capsule, solution
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 30-120mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose or continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.5mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 30-120mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose or continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks, avoid during labor
fetal monitoring during administration
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug based on importance to mother
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose, start with lowest effective dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to vasodilatory effects
monitor blood pressure and cardiovascular status regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsuse with extreme caution, weight-based dosing
not typically recommended in pediatric populations due to limited safety data
close monitoring of vital signs and cardiovascular parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose reduction
use with caution, monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction recommended
use only if benefits outweigh risks, consider alternative therapies
frequent monitoring of renal function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose reduction
use with caution, metabolized in liver
monitor liver function tests and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment due to extensive hepatic metabolism
not recommended
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Papaverine is classified as a vasodilator and smooth muscle relaxant, not an NSAID
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications in clinical practice
Mechanism of action
Inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes to increase cAMP and cGMP levels
Commonly prescribed since
Long-standing clinical use spanning several decades
Papaverine is used to treat spasms and associated pain in the gastrointestinal tract (intestinal colic, irritable bowel syndrome), biliary system (biliary colic), and urinary tract (ureteral colic). It is also used off-label via intracavernosal injection for erectile dysfunction.
Papaverine acts as a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in smooth muscle cells. This leads to smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, relieving spasms and associated pain.
Use with caution in patients with glaucoma, severe cardiac conditions, or hepatic impairment. May cause hepatotoxicity with prolonged use. Avoid abrupt discontinuation after long-term therapy. May enhance effects of other smooth muscle relaxants and anticoagulants.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy