Papaverine HCl

1 What is Papaverine HCl?

Brand: Papaverine HCl

Generic: Papaverine

Papaverine HCl is a vasodilator that causes blood vessels to expand resulting in increased blood flow. This drug is used for the production of erections in some men with erectile dysfunction.

This drug increases blood flow to the penis when it is injected into the penis resulting in an erection. This drug is not recommended for use as a sexual aid by men who do not have erectile dysfunction.

Permanent damage to the penis and loss of the ability to have erections could result if this drug is not used properly. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Papaverine HCl, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. It is still unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults or if it causes different side effects or problems in older people.

This drug is not anticipated to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as Ginkgo. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as bleeding problems, liver disease, priapism, or sickle cell disease.

3 Proper Usage

To use Papaverine HCl properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The injection site must be cleansed with alcohol. Inject the drug slowly and directly into the base of the penis using a sterile needle as instructed by your healthcare professional.

Injecting this drug just under the skin is not recommended. The injection is usually not painful, although you may feel some tingling in the tip of your penis.

If the injection is very painful or you notice bruising or swelling at the place of injection, that means you have been injecting the drug under the skin. Stop, withdraw the needle, and reposition it properly before continuing with the injection.

Pressure must be put on the place of injection to prevent bruising. Your penis must be massaged as instructed by your healthcare professional to help the drug spread to all parts of the penis for optimal effects.

This drug usually begins to work in about 10 minutes. You should attempt intercourse within 2 hours after injecting the drug. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

Adults with erectile dysfunction are injected 30 to 60 milligrams very slowly into the area of the penis as directed by your healthcare professional. Allow one or two minutes to completely inject the dose.

Injecting more than one dose in a day is not recommended. It is also not recommended to use this drug more than two days in a row or more than three times a week.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Papaverine HCl, there are some precautions you must take. This drug must be injected precisely as directed by your healthcare professional.

Repeated or multiple injections in a short period of time can cause a dangerous condition called priapism which manifests as an erection that has become so strong that it lasts too long and become irreversible as it should.

The blood supply to the penis may be cut off and permanent damage may occur when priapism is not reversed. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if the erection lasts for longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful.

If you notice bleeding at the site when you inject papaverine, put pressure on the spot until the bleeding stops. Check with your healthcare professional if the bleeding doesn't stop. Regular examination of your penis is recommended.

Check with your healthcare professional if you have symptoms of fibrosis such as a lump where the drug has been injected or if you notice that your penis is becoming curved.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Papaverine HCl. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as dizziness, erection continuing for more than 4 hours, or painful erection lumps in the penis.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

6 Related Clinical Trials

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