Drug interactions
Carbidopa + Papaverine
Severity: Moderate
Carbidopa and Papaverine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Papaverine may reduce the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa/carbidopa, leading to worsening symptoms.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbidopa and Papaverine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Carbidopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Papaverine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Proposed dopamine receptor blockade by papaverine; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor motor symptoms and avoid papaverine if control deteriorates.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Carbidopa
Other interactions of Papaverine
- Givinostat + Papaverine Major
- Bretylium + Papaverine Moderate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Iloprost + Papaverine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbidopa with Papaverine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbidopa and Papaverine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Papaverine may reduce the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa/carbidopa, leading to worsening symptoms.
How serious is the interaction between Carbidopa and Papaverine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor motor symptoms and avoid papaverine if control deteriorates.
What other medicines interact with Carbidopa?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbidopa with, for example, Metoclopramide, Amlodipine-atorvastatin, Amlodipine-benazepril. The full list is on the Carbidopa page.
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