Papaverine

Products

In many countries, finished drug products containing papaverine are no longer on the market. Spasmosol (combination) is no longer available.

Structure and properties

Papaverine (C₂₀H₂₁NO₄, M_r = 339.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as papaverine hydrochloride, a white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water. It is a natural alkaloid found in the opium poppy. Structurally, it belongs to the benzylisoquinolines.

Effects

Papaverine (ATC A03AD01) has spasmolytic properties on smooth muscle. It is active in the vascular system, bronchial muscles, digestive tract, bile ducts, and urinary tract. Unlike other spasmolytics, it exerts its effects primarily peripherally and hardly centrally.

Indications

For the treatment of smooth muscle spasms.