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Who should not take papaverine (Papacon, Para-Time S. R., Pavabid Plateau, Pavacot, Pavagen)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• heart disease or irregular heartbeats,
• liver disease,
• glaucoma, or
• Parkinson's disease.

You may not be able to take papaverine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Papaverine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether papaverine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take papaverine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether papaverine passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take papaverine (Papacon, Para-Time S. R., Pavabid Plateau, Pavacot, Pavagen)?

Take papaverine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

The regular-release form of papaverine is usually taken three to five times a day. The timed-release tablets and capsules are usually taken two or three times a day (every 8 to 12 hours). Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open the timed-release tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

Store papaverine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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