
Name: Papaverine Hydrochloride
Common Form: Fine crystalline powder
Chemical Formula: C20H21NO4HCl
Molecular Weight: 375.85 g/mol
CAS Number: 61-25-6
ATC Code: C04AD01
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Solubility:
Freely soluble in water
Soluble in alcohol and chloroform
Practically insoluble in ether
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Slightly bitter
pH (1% solution): Typically 4.0 5.5
Melting Point: Around 147149C (decomposes)
Drug Class: Vasodilator, specifically a non-narcotic opium alkaloid
Therapeutic Use:
Used primarily as a smooth muscle relaxant
Treats vasospasms, especially cerebral and peripheral vasospasms
Used in erectile dysfunction therapies (often in injectable form)
Papaverine works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzymes, particularly PDE10A, leading to an increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels within smooth muscle cells. This results in smooth muscle relaxation, especially in vascular tissues, causing vasodilation and improved blood flow.
Medical:
Cerebral vasospasm (post subarachnoid hemorrhage)
Peripheral vascular diseases
Visceral spasm-related conditions (e.g., gastrointestinal or biliary colic)
Research:
Used in pharmacological studies on PDE inhibition
Studied for its effect on cellular signaling pathways
Compounding:
May be used to formulate injectable solutions or capsules in pharmaceutical compounding
Storage Conditions:
Store in a tightly closed container
Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area
Protect from light and moisture
Shelf Life: Usually stable for 23 years under proper conditions
Precautions:
Avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Toxicity:
May cause hypotension, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort in case of overdose
First Aid:
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical help
Ingestion: Seek immediate medical assistance
Prescription Drug: Regulated as a prescription-only medication in many countries
Controlled Substance: Not classified as a controlled substance in most jurisdictions
Regulatory Agencies: FDA (USA), EMA (Europe), CDSCO (India), etc.
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