Definition: An alkaloid found in opium but not closely related to the other opium alkaloids in its structure or pharmacological actions. It is a direct-acting smooth muscle relaxant used in the treatment of impotence and as a vasodilator, especially for cerebral vasodilation. The mechanism of its pharmacological actions is not clear, but it apparently can inhibit phosphodiesterases and it may have direct actions on calcium channels.
Other names Hydrochloride, Papaverine; Pavatym; Pavabid; Papaverine Hydrochloride; Cerespan
Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 221(1):163;1976; Arzneim Forsch 28(5):794;1978; C R Soc Biol (Paris) 171(1):214;1977; C R Soc Biol (Paris) 171(5):1075;1977; Curr Ther Res 16(10):1096;1974; Fortschr Med 95(47-48):2829;1977; J Pharmacol Exp Ther 204(3):645;1978
