PAPAVERINE HYDROCHLORIDE (CAS 58-74-2): Properties, Uses, and Safety Information

Papaverine hydrochloride is an alkaloid derived from opium, acting as a smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator. It is a nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases cAMP and cGMP levels in tissues. Its primary uses include treatment of erectile dysfunction, cerebral vasodilation, and as an antispasmodic.

The compound is particularly effective as a smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator, with its principal pharmacological action being a nonspecific vasodilation of smooth muscles in arterioles and capillaries. Different vascular beds and smooth muscles respond to papaverine administration with varying intensities and durations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the main uses of papaverine hydrochloride?

A: Papaverine hydrochloride is primarily used as a smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator. It has applications in treating erectile dysfunction, cerebral vasodilation, and as an antispasmodic agent. It's also effective against asthma due to its muscle relaxant properties.

Q: How does papaverine hydrochloride work?

A: Papaverine hydrochloride acts as a nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which increases cAMP and cGMP levels in tissues. This leads to relaxation of smooth muscles and vasodilation, particularly in penile erectile tissue and cerebral blood vessels.

Q: What are the potential side effects of papaverine hydrochloride?

A: Side effects may include drowsiness, headache, facial flushing, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and liver toxicity. In the treatment of erectile dysfunction, major side effects can include priapism, corporeal fibrosis, and occasional increases in serum aminotransferases.

Q: Is papaverine hydrochloride addictive?

A: Unlike some other opium-derived compounds, papaverine is neither a *** nor an addictive substance. Its acute toxic effects are relatively low compared to phenanthrene-type opium alkaloids like *** or ***.