Papaverine Extended Release

 
Generic Name: papaverine

Brands: Papacon, Para-Time S. R., Pavabid Plateau, Pavacot, Pavagen

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What is the most important information I should know about Papaverine Extended Release?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Papaverine Extended Release may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· If you experience dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid falling.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Papaverine Extended Release.

· Notify your doctor if you experience especially bothersome sweating, rash, flushing, headache, tiredness, yellowing of your skin, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, or constipation.

 

What is Papaverine Extended Release?

· Papaverine Extended Release is in a class of drugs called vasodilators. Papaverine Extended Release relaxes veins and arteries, which makes them wider and allows blood to pass through them more easily. These actions may help to increase the amount of oxygen-rich blood in your brain, heart, and muscles.

· Papaverine Extended Release may also be useful in treating conditions involving spasms of the intestines and urinary tract.

· Papaverine Extended Release may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Papaverine Extended Release?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·heart disease or irregular heartbeats,     ·liver disease,     ·glaucoma, or     ·Parkinson's disease.

· You may not be able to take Papaverine Extended Release, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Papaverine Extended Release is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Papaverine Extended Release will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Papaverine Extended Release without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is not known whether Papaverine Extended Release passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Papaverine Extended Release?

· Take Papaverine Extended Release exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· The regular-release form of Papaverine Extended Release is usually taken three to five times a day. The timed-release tablets and capsules are usually taken two or three times a day (every 8 to 12 hours). Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Do not crush, chew, break, or open the timed-release tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

· Store Papaverine Extended Release at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Papaverine Extended Release overdose include drowsiness, weakness, double vision, poor coordination, headache, blue-colored lips or skin, and coma.

 

What should I avoid while taking Papaverine Extended Release?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Papaverine Extended Release may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· If you experience dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid falling.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Papaverine Extended Release.

· Do not crush, chew, break, or open the timed-release tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. These are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

 

What are the possible side effects of Papaverine Extended Release?

· Stop taking Papaverine Extended Release and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Stop taking Papaverine Extended Release and contact your doctor if your skin or eyes develop a yellow tint.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Papaverine Extended Release and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, or constipation;     ·dizziness or drowsiness;     ·headache;     ·sweating and flushing;     ·a rash; or     ·irregular heartbeats.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Papaverine Extended Release?

· Papaverine Extended Release may decrease the effects of levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa) which is used to treat Parkinson's disease. You may need a change in your levodopa dosage if you are taking levodopa.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Papaverine Extended Release or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Papaverine Extended Release written for health professionals that you may read.

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