PAPAVERIN Meaning and
Definition
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Papaverin is a medication classified as a vasodilator, which primarily functions to expand and relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessels and organs. It is commonly used to treat conditions related to the constriction or spasm of blood vessels, such as vasospasms, angina, and peripheral vascular disease. Papaverin belongs to a class of drugs known as benzylisoquinolines and is derived from the opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum.
When administered, either orally or by injection, papaverin inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase, leading to increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in muscle cells. The elevated cAMP levels cause a reduction in calcium concentrations within the cells, which ultimately leads to relaxation and dilation of the smooth muscle tissue. As a result, blood vessels widen, allowing for improved blood flow and decreased resistance within the cardiovascular system.
In addition to its vasodilatory effects, papaverin also aids in relieving muscle spasms by directly affecting the muscle fibers. It is utilized for conditions involving spasms in the urinary tract, including ureteral, renal, and biliary colic. Furthermore, papaverin has been found to alleviate gastrointestinal spasms, particularly in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal obstruction.
Despite its widespread use, papaverin may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Therefore, patients should consult their healthcare provider for appropriate dosing instructions and to discuss any potential drug interactions before taking this medication.
Common Misspellings for PAPAVERIN
- oapaverin
- lapaverin
- 0apaverin
- pzpaverin
- pspaverin
- pwpaverin
- pqpaverin
- paoaverin
- palaverin
- pa0averin
- papzverin
- papsverin
- papwverin
- papqverin
- papacerin
- papaberin
- papagerin
- papaferin
- papavwrin
- papavsrin
Etymology of PAPAVERIN
The etymology of the word "papaverin" can be traced back to the Latin word "papaver", which means "poppy". The suffix "-in" is commonly used in medicine to denote a substance or drug derived from a particular source. In the case of "papaverin", it refers to a compound isolated from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum).
The term was coined in the early 20th century when German chemists were isolating various alkaloids from opium. They discovered a compound with smooth muscle relaxing properties and named it "papaverin" due to its origin from the poppy plant. Today, "papaverin" is primarily used as a smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator in the medical field.
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