Drug reference

papaverine

Vasodilator · Erectile Dysfunction Agent

VasodilatorErectile Dysfunction Agent

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AbarelixSevereDatabaseDDInter
AbirateroneSevereDatabaseDDInter
AdenosineSevereDatabaseDDInter
AlfuzosinSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

When injected directly into the corpus cavernosum, papaverine causes smooth muscle relaxation, leading to penile tumescence and erection.

Indications

erectile dysfunction (ED) (rarely used now)

Dosing

Adult: 3–20 mg intracavernosally (with or without phentolamine)

Side effects

Serious

priapism (2–15% cases, can cause permanent damage)
penile fibrosis (with repeated injections)
local haematoma
infection
paresthesia
penile deviation

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Drug interactions

Abarelix

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Abiraterone

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Adenosine

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Alfuzosin

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Alimemazine

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amiodarone

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Amisulpride

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amitriptyline

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amoxapine

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Anagrelide

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Apalutamide

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Apomorphine

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

Coronary angiography with renal dysfunction

CSI · Cardiology · 2020

Other Vasodilator drugs

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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team