Drug interactions
Levodopa + Papaverine
Severity: Moderate
Levodopa 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 has been reported to reduce the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa, so motor control may worsen when the two are given together. The effect is attributed to dopamine receptor blockade, and the clinical significance varies between patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levodopa 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.
Levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Papaverine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Papaverine is thought to have weak dopamine receptor antagonist activity, possibly through phosphodiesterase inhibition, opposing levodopa's dopaminergic effect.
What to do
Monitor parkinsonian symptoms when papaverine is started or stopped. Consider an alternative vasodilator or adjust the levodopa dose if motor control worsens.
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 Papaverine
- Givinostat + Papaverine Major
- Bretylium + Papaverine Moderate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa + Papaverine Moderate
Other interactions of Levodopa
- Isocarboxazid + Levodopa Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine (nonselective MAOI) Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levodopa with Papaverine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Levodopa 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 has been reported to reduce the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa, so motor control may worsen when the two are given together. The effect is attributed to dopamine receptor blockade, and the clinical significance varies between patients.
How serious is the interaction between Levodopa 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 parkinsonian symptoms when papaverine is started or stopped. Consider an alternative vasodilator or adjust the levodopa dose if motor control worsens.
What other medicines interact with Papaverine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Papaverine with, for example, Givinostat, Bretylium, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates. The full list is on the Papaverine page.
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