Papaverine (Pavarine)

Photograph of Papaverine (Pavarine) under the microscope.

Papaverine is a natural heterocyclic nitrogen alkaloid, found in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), which acts as a vasodilator to cause blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow. The drug also serves as a muscle relaxer and acts directly on the heart muscle to depress conduction and prolong the refractory period. Side effects include coughing, skin rash, swelling and yellow eyes and skin.

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