Among the many drugs that have been trusted by patients for many years, there is such a medicine as Papaverine. The instruction describes in detail all the indications and doses of the use of this alkaloid. In nature, this substance is found in opium. Recently, it is most often produced synthetically. This substance is a crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in alcohol, slowly soluble in water. The powder has a slightly bitter taste. An aqueous solution of the substance is subjected to sterilization for 0.5 hours at a temperature of 100 ° C.
The drug "Papaverine" refers to myotropic antispasmodics. It reduces contractile activity and reduces the tone of smooth muscles, has antispasmodic and vasodilating effects. This drug is used as an antispasmodic in case of smooth muscle spasms (with cholecystitis, pylorospasm, spastic colitis, urinary tract spasms), peripheral vessels, bronchi, and cerebral vessels. Until recently, the drug was often used to prevent angina attacks. Taking the medicine “Papaverine”, the instructions for which contain information about its positive properties, it should be remembered that in high doses it inhibits intracardiac conduction, reduces the excitability of the heart muscle. The drug lowers blood pressure.
Although doctors often prescribe the drug "Papaverine" to patients, the instruction is silent about the fact that the mechanism of its action on the human body is still not fully understood. This substance is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, an enzyme that causes intracellular accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Its accumulation leads to a decrease in contractility of the muscles and its relaxation in spastic conditions.
Often in combination with promedol, Papaverine is prescribed, the instructions for which allow it to be used in combination with other antispasmodic and analgesic drugs. Such therapy is carried out to eliminate angina attacks. This drug is also often prescribed in combination with platyphylline, phenobarbital and other substances.
The drug "Papaverine" is produced in tablets (0.04 g) in packages of 10 pcs., In ampoules with 1 and 2% solution of 2 ml, in rectal suppositories of 0.2 g. The active substance in tablets, easily penetrating through the histohematic barriers are rapidly absorbed in the digestive tract. The drug is excreted by the kidneys. The elimination half-life is from half an hour to 2 hours. Up to 60% solution of this substance is released in the form of various compounds (with glucuronic acid, phenolic acid).
Means "Papaverine", the instructions for which clearly describe in what doses to take the drug for patients of different ages, requires strict adherence to these standards. Exceeding the dosage often leads to serious consequences. Adults are usually prescribed 3-4 times a day taking 1 tablet (0.04 g). Prescribe tablets to children, depending on the number of years, for 3-4 times a day in such dosages:
- 0.5-2 years: 0.25-0.5 tab.;
- 3-4: 0.5-1 tab.;
- 5-6: 1 tab.;
- 7-9: 1.5 tab.;
- 10-14: 1.5-2 tab.
Intramuscularly and under the skin, the solution is administered in 1-2 ml (1; 2%). A 2% solution is carefully and very slowly injected into the vein (1-2 ml), since the drug can cause the occurrence of atrioventricular block, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular extrasystoles. In the form of suppositories, the drug is used at 0.003-0.03 g per dose (dosage depends on age). Suppositories are used after an enema or bowel movement.
It is contraindicated to take the drug with hypersensitivity to it, arterial hypotension, and violation of atrioventricular conduction. Do not take the drug without consulting a doctor. Its effectiveness or safety during lactation and pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, the medicine “Papaverine”, the indications for use of which during this period are not vital, is better not to use. During treatment, alcohol is prohibited.