Papaverine during pregnancy: therapeutic effect and contraindications

Only a few women manage to avoid taking pills and medications for the entire nine months. Most of them raise serious concerns, since the effect on the fetus has not been fully studied. Papaverine is prescribed quite often during early pregnancy. Let's consider how to take it correctly, what effect it has on the body of the mother and child, as well as what diseases will be a direct contraindication for treatment.

Composition and packaging

The medicine is available in three forms - injection solution, suppositories, and tablets. Pregnant women are prescribed either suppositories or injections.

Rectal suppositories are torpedo-shaped, white or yellowish in color. Distributed in cellular contour packs in the amount of 5 candles per one, two packs in a cardboard box. Active ingredients: papaverine hydrochloride – 0.02 g. Additional components: solid fat.

Solution for injection – transparent, colorless, in glass ampoules of 2 ml. In a cardboard package - 10 pieces. Active ingredients: papaverine hydrochloride – 0.02 g. Additional components: disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Trilon B), methionine, water for injection.

Tablets are flat-cylindrical in shape, white, with a chamfer and a score. Packed in blister or cellless packages, in cardboard boxes - 1, 2, 3 or 5 packs. Active ingredients: papaverine hydrochloride – 0.04 g. Additional components: potato starch, powdered sugar, talc, stearic acid or calcium stearate.

The use of suppositories with papaverine depending on the stage of pregnancy

As a rule, candles with papaverine or nosh-pa are not used separately.

Depending on the problem, antispasmodic drugs are usually prescribed in combination therapy with other drugs.

First trimester

In the first trimester of pregnancy, until the placental protection of the fetus has formed, the list of medications that have no contraindications for use is very limited. This is related to the popularity of prescribing papaverine suppositories as antispasmodics.

As a rule, at this time a woman suffers from toxicosis, so taking antispasmodic tablets is not advisable.

Most often, pregnant women are prescribed papaverine suppositories for increased uterine tone and a possible threat of miscarriage.

So, unlike tablets, suppositories have a more prolonged effect, since they are absorbed more slowly. This means that a woman can experience the positive effect of candles throughout the day.

The combined use of papaverine suppositories and no-shpa tablets in the treatment of uterine tone is possible; the decision on this tactic is made by the doctor.

Often, before the 16th week, the cause of uterine tone is insufficient production of the “pregnancy hormone” - progesterone. Therefore, papaverine and other approved antispasmodics are prescribed in conjunction with hormone therapy.

Second trimester

In the second trimester, the list of approved medications expands significantly.

Therefore, if there is a threat to the course of pregnancy, the health of the expectant mother and the fetus, more serious drugs that inhibit the contractile activity of the uterus may be prescribed:

• ginipral;
• bricanyl;
• verapamil;
• nifedipine;
• injections and systems with magnesium.

Suppositories with papaverine are used by pregnant women as a means of immediate response to abdominal pain, increased blood pressure, etc.

This measure allows you to maintain the mother’s condition until she consults a doctor, who will determine the need and duration of further use of papaverine as an antispasmodic.

Why is it prescribed to pregnant women?

Now let's find out why Papaverine is prescribed during pregnancy, and in particular, the most popular form of the drug is suppositories.

Papaverine is an antispasmodic agent, in particular, it can have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of internal organs - this is important for pregnant women with uterine tone. This diagnosis cannot be ignored, as there is a threat of fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and even miscarriage. In addition, expectant mothers often complain of various types of pain, including in the back. Papaverine suppositories during early pregnancy are often prescribed specifically for these problems.

This drug is considered to be one of the safest drugs for mother and fetus. It eliminates spasm. Since this phenomenon can cause pain, to some extent Papaverine is also a selective analgesic. However, although it is able to relieve spasm and pain for a while, it does not eliminate the cause of the pain, such as with intestinal colic, etc. In this case, pregnant women may be prescribed additional medications or procedures.

In later stages, this medication may be prescribed to lower blood pressure.

General indications for prescribing this medication are:

• uterine hypertonicity;

• cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts);
• colitis (inflammation of the large intestine);
• cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder);
• constipation;
• flatulence;
• urethritis;
• menstrual pain;
• cystitis;
• urolithiasis disease;
• pyelitis;

• renal colic;
• spasms of the ureter;
• spasms of the biliary tract;
• pylorospasm;
• spasms of cerebral vessels;
• endarteritis;
• bronchospasm;
• angina pectoris;
• hypertension;
• stomach and intestinal colic;
• headache;
• haemorrhoids.

What does the drug "Papaverine" affect?

The drug belongs to myotropic antispasmodics. Available in the form of suppositories, tablets and ampoules with solution. Its main purpose is to relax smooth muscles and blood vessels. It relieves spasms without affecting the central nervous system. Has a slight sedative effect. Relieves pain in smooth muscles, including the genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract. Recommended for:

• hypertonicity of the uterus;
• spasms of cerebral vessels;
• angina pectoris;
• cholecystitis;
• spastic colitis;
• bronchospasms;
• other.

Even though it is prescribed to pregnant women quite often in the first trimester, papaverine should not be taken independently and uncontrolled! There are a number of contraindications that can seriously worsen the mother's condition. For example, reduce already low blood pressure.

Contraindications and side effects

Although this medicine is considered one of the most harmless, there are still certain restrictions and precautions in its use.

The drug is not used for:

• stroke;
• heart attack;
• aggravated renal failure;
• glaucoma;
• atrioventricular block;
• hypotension;
• hypersensitivity;
• coma

The medication can be taken with caution and under close medical supervision in the following cases:

• hypothyroidism;
• renal failure in the chronic stage;
• adrenal insufficiency;
• prostate hyperplasia;
• supraventricular tachycardia;
• shock;
• TBI.

Also, this drug has incompatibility with some medications.

Find out whether Papaverine suppositories are allowed in early pregnancy

Papaverine suppositories are a safe remedy used to relieve pain and spasms of the uterus or other internal organs. The drug has been successfully used for many years. The drug belongs to myotropic antispasmodics. Its effect is to relax the smooth muscles of organs and blood vessels.

Are Papaverine suppositories allowed in early pregnancy?

The first months of pregnancy are the most risky in terms of the occurrence of various complications in the development of the fetus. All vital organs and systems of the child are laid down and formed in the first trimester. Therefore, you need to monitor the medications you take.

At the same time, there is a danger of spontaneous abortion - miscarriage. In most cases, Papaverine suppositories are prescribed in the early stages to eliminate the risk of miscarriage. The drug relieves hypertonicity of the uterus, relaxes its walls, thus maintaining pregnancy.

When a doctor prescribes a drug in the early stages

A woman who is registered with a gynecologist may complain of periodic pulling sensations in the lumbar spine or in the abdomen. Sometimes they can be painful. At first it may feel like menstrual cramps.

In this case, the gynecologist diagnoses uterine hypertonicity. To normalize the woman’s general condition and relieve spasms, the doctor prescribes Papaverine suppositories. This harmless and effective medicine has a positive effect on the cardiovascular and circulatory system, as well as on the functioning of the heart.

Why is uterine hypertonicity dangerous in the early stages?

• risk of miscarriage;
• the tone prevents the embryo from attaching to the uterine cavity;
• increases the risk of placental abruption;
• compresses the blood vessels going from mother to baby, which causes fetal hypoxia and deficiency of nutrients.

How does it work

The candles are produced in individual packaging. One blister contains ten suppositories of twenty milligrams.

After the candle is placed, the woman does not feel muscle weakness; the effect of the drug is aimed only at relieving muscle spasms. The calcium concentration in the muscles decreases slightly. After some time, the patient notes normalization of blood pressure. A slight excess of the dose of the drug will not cause negative consequences. On the contrary, the drug will give a calming effect.

Action of Papaverine suppositories:

• maintain pregnancy, reduce the threat of miscarriage;
• relieve uterine spasms with hypertension;
• have a beneficial effect on the blood flow of mother and child;
• reduce and stabilize blood pressure.

How to use suppositories in the early stages

Taking suppositories is possible only as prescribed by a doctor. He prescribes the dosage in accordance with the general condition of the pregnant woman, tests, and the complexity of her situation. Administration of the drug not according to instructions may cause heart rhythm disturbances.

The suppositories are placed rectally. First you need to do a cleansing enema. From a lying position, carefully place the suppository far into the rectum. You can put two or three candles per day.

The first candle is used in the morning, and the second before going to bed. If necessary, during the day they place another one or a third one. At least five to six hours should pass between doses of the medicine.

The effect appears after a few minutes or half an hour.

Pros of Papaverine suppositories:

• Ease of use;
• fast action (relieves spasms and pain in minutes);
• absolutely safe at any stage of pregnancy (and what is especially important - in the first trimester, when a woman is limited in taking medications);
• approved by experts;
• began to be used a very long time ago and have proven themselves on the positive side;
• inexpensive price, economy class drug;
• accessibility (candles can be purchased at any pharmacy in the country);
• long shelf life.

No matter how safe Papaverine suppositories are, they are medicine. And each drug has its own contraindications and side effects.

Candles should not be lit for women:

• with low blood pressure;
• with a tendency to constipation;
• allergy sufferers (with hypersensitivity to papaverine hydrochloride).

Therapy using Papaverine suppositories is also prohibited for expectant mothers suffering from:

• glaucoma and other visual impairments;
• acute liver and kidney failure;
• increased pressure of the eyeball;
• disruption of the endocrine system and thyroid gland;
• with tachycardia.

A severe overdose can lead to weakness throughout the body, nausea, increased sweating, and dizziness. Sometimes problems with constipation may occur.

The truthful opinion of women and doctors about Papaverine suppositories in the early stages

The internet is full of positive reviews from satisfied women who have been helped by the candles. They admit that the therapy is well tolerated and side effects are extremely rare. It is convenient to use the drug, there are no uncomfortable sensations.

Treatment with suppositories coupled with vitamin complexes (Magne) works especially well.

Doctors also note the high effectiveness of the drug for weakening uterine contractions in the early stages.

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Source: https://moy-kroha.info/svechi-papaverin-pri-beremennosti-na-rannih-srokah-dejstvie-i-primenenie

Instructions for use of Papaverine suppositories during pregnancy

The instructions for Papaverine suppositories state that during pregnancy and lactation the degree of safety of the product for mother and child has not been established. However, this medication has been used by experienced doctors for many, many years and is prescribed without fear, including to children and the elderly, since it has never had a negative effect. We can say that unofficially the drug is recognized as harmless.

The daily dosage of the drug and the duration of treatment are established by the attending physician, based on the degree of the disease. However, there are certain norms for the consumption of this medication - from 2 to 4 suppositories per day. Suppositories are administered rectally.

Side effects from taking papaverine

Like any medicine, regardless of the form of release, the drug “Papaverine” can also have a negative effect on the body of the expectant mother. Possible side effects include:

• allergies,
• pressure reduction,
• constipation,
• drowsiness,
• nausea,
• dizziness,
• increased sweating;
• heart rhythm disturbance.

Heart failure occurs most often due to rapid intravenous or intramuscular administration. But the remaining effects can be obtained by the mother who independently increases the recommended dose.

Instructions for use of solution for injection Papaverine

Papaverine injections during pregnancy are given subcutaneously and intramuscularly; the drug can even be administered intravenously. It is diluted with saline solution, the interval between injections is at least 4 hours. However, all of these procedures are performed directly by the health worker at the medical institution, as well as the duration of the course.

During the period of gestation, preference is given to suppositories and injections due to the accelerated action of the drug; in tablet form, the drug begins to work later. Tablets may be prescribed if it is difficult or impossible to use the medication in another form.

Injections of the drug "Papaverine"

In the early stages of pregnancy, the risk of spontaneous abortion or miscarriage is quite high. A young mother should lead not only a healthy, but also a calm lifestyle. But realistically speaking, only a few succeed. Work, nerves, an overly active life, sometimes fear and problems with the future dad provoke increased uterine tone. It is in this case that the drug “Papaverine” is prescribed, injections of which during pregnancy help relieve unpleasant symptoms and preserve the fetus. They can be administered both intramuscularly and intravenously.

It is not recommended to give papaverine injections on your own or with the help of friends without special education! The drug may end up in a place not intended for this purpose, which at a minimum will not achieve the desired effect. In addition, it must be administered slowly.

As for tablets, they are prescribed extremely rarely. The thing is that it takes much longer to dissolve in the body and achieve an effect than with candles or injections.

Reviews

Especially for you, we have collected here several reviews about Papaverine suppositories used during pregnancy:

Lyudmila:

The product is safe and effective. I remember during pregnancy there was a case where I didn’t figure out where to insert the Papaverine suppositories and made a mistake... I called the doctor in a panic, but she said that it was nothing to worry about, especially since it was only one suppository. Then she advised me to be more careful and continue using it “as expected.”

Irina:

I was saved by this drug throughout the entire gestation period, and at the same time I was in the hospital 2 times. I was given injections. Treatment was carried out no longer than 9 days. After using it, it immediately became easier.

Tatiana:

When my tone was maintained, I was prescribed this medication first in the form of injections, but after them my butt hurt a lot, so I switched to suppositories. I'm satisfied with the effect.

Alexandra:

I have an intolerance to No-shpa, so only this medication helps with cramps. And after giving birth I use the drug in tablets.

Oksana:

Of course, during such a “tender” period, any medicinal effects are undesirable! But if treatment is required, then there is not much choice left, and this medication for spasms is the safest thing that can be used. They also take No-shpa, but it seems that Papaverine begins to act faster.

Rules for taking for uterine tone

For use with uterine tone, Papaverine is most often prescribed in the form of rectal suppositories. Less commonly, the medicine is prescribed for injection. Expectant mothers are almost never prescribed a tablet form of the medication, since it acts more slowly and has a major effect on the tissues of the digestive tract.

Papaverine suppositories are produced by various commercial manufacturers. However, all drugs have identical composition and mechanism of action. Rectal suppositories have a fat base that quickly dissolves under the influence of elevated body temperature.

The basic rule of administration for eliminating uterine tone is that suppositories are administered after cleansing the intestines. Expectant mothers need to monitor the functioning of the digestive tract and the regularity of its emptying. Constipation and increased flatulence can become an independent cause of tone. The introduction of suppositories is carried out up to 3-4 times a day. The exact amount is determined by the doctor after assessing the severity of the patient’s condition. A single dose of the drug is contained in one suppository.

In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, Papaverine suppositories are also used. However, if there is a threat of premature birth, gynecologists begin therapy with an injectable form of the medication. The solution is administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously or intravenously. After the woman reaches a stable condition, the medicine is administered in the form of suppositories.

Tablets are prescribed for uterine tone quite rarely. This is due to the fact that Papaverine is able to relax smooth muscles. Expectant mothers often have problems with the functioning of the digestive tract - heartburn, reflux, sour belching. The pills relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, making these conditions worse. Taking the tablet form of Papaverine is recommended only in cases where the use of other types of medication is not possible.

Video

A very useful video to watch is offered below. It talks about those few drugs that are acceptable for use during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby. Under the video you will find a list of groups of these drugs according to the degree of influence on the mother and fetus, indicating the beginning of the time period in the video where they talk about a specific group.

Do you know what “hypertonicity of the uterus” is, and how did your doctor recommend you get rid of it? No-spa is also very often used during pregnancy with the same problems. If we are talking about analgesics and antispasmodics, then find out whether the well-known Citramon is used during pregnancy, and the no less popular Paracetamol, including as an antipyretic. Find out what other painkillers you can take during pregnancy.

Were you able to find something useful and educational for yourself after reading the article presented? Or perhaps you were just prescribed Papaverine? Share your experience and impressions of using the medicine. And be healthy!

Indications for use

The use of Papaverine for uterine tone during pregnancy is indicated for those patients who need it and have no contraindications for this therapy. The medicine is prescribed for the tone of the anterior and posterior walls of the reproductive organ. It is also recommended to use it to prevent contractile activity if there is such a risk.

It is necessary to take the medication for patients who are prone to increased tone or have a history of repeated pregnancy terminations due to this condition.

According to the instructions for use, the medication can be used at any time for uterine hypertonicity. It is also prescribed in the following cases:

• conditions caused by muscle spasms in different parts of the digestive tract,
• vasoconstriction,
• blood pressure surges,
• pain in the muscles of the abdominal wall,
• pain in the heart area,
• bronchial spasm accompanied by a painful cough.

Reviews from pregnant women

Natalia B., Ekaterinburg, 28 years old

Advantages: Relieves hypertension

Disadvantages: none found

The doctor prescribed Papaverine in the 1st trimester, but I still use it now (already in the 3rd trimester), as needed. The drug relieves hypertension well, which is why I actually felt uneasy from the first weeks of pregnancy. I didn't notice any side effects. I mainly use them at night, as my gynecologist advised. Between the 2nd and 3rd trimester, the tone was very strong, I was prescribed Ginepral tablets, but due to their side effects they did not suit me, I continued to use Papaverine. A huge plus is that the drug is not expensive, since you can use it for a very long time. I think I will use Papaverine before giving birth; the doctor even advised using them during labor.

Maria N., Moscow, 32 years old

Advantages: relieves pain well

Disadvantages: none found

I often have pain in my right side, but the doctors are silent and have not been able to make a diagnosis for 10 years. She underwent a comprehensive examination, there are adhesions, and she treated them. But the pain remained. When I became pregnant, the pain worsened and I was admitted to the hospital. Suppositories with Papaverine were prescribed for the night. This is how I escape my pain. The candles are sold 10 pieces in one package, are inexpensive, and easy to use.

Olesya, Omsk, 23 years old

Advantages: relieves spasms, tension, calms

Disadvantages: I don’t like the “suppository” form of medicine itself.

I am now 20 weeks pregnant. At first, I ignored my gynecologist's instructions. The doctor always told me to keep suppositories with Papaverine with me. Once I came to an appointment, there was a long line, I had to sit for a long time, and I had a sharp pain in my lower abdomen. When I entered the office with my face twisted in pain, the doctor got scared, examined me and sent me behind the screen to insert a candle. She scolded me very much for not carrying candles with me. Thank God, then everything went away, but I still carry candles with Papaverine in my bag. They are cheap and easy to use. I have a rather nervous job; before pregnancy I constantly took sedatives. Now Papaverine calms me down.

Read: Features of using Grippferon during pregnancy

Reviews from women in different trimesters of pregnancy show the successful use of suppositories with Papaverine. There are practically no mentions of shortcomings. In almost all cases, obstetricians-gynecologists advise using this drug for uterine hypertonicity in any trimester.

It is more convenient and aesthetically pleasing for any person to take pills, but the effect of suppositories is much faster and more effective. And during pregnancy, it is the speed of action of the drug and safety for the fetus that is the priority, because the woman is responsible not only for herself, but also for her unborn child. Therefore, all obstetrician-gynecologists have been successfully prescribing this drug to their patients for many years.

The following video contains all the pressing questions about the most common diagnosis during pregnancy - uterine tone:

20 Dec 2021 Valeria 387

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Discussion: 4 comments

1. Marina:
   12/21/2017 at 02:50

   I had increased uterine tone during pregnancy. Papaverine was prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist, intramuscularly, depending on the situation. Relieves spasms well. Tablets are less effective, but I haven’t tried suppositories.

   Answer

2. Anastasia:

   12/21/2017 at 14:19

   I had 2 pregnancies, both with uterine tone. With my first pregnancy, I even ended up in the hospital due to severe pain and bloody discharge. I always lit candles with papaverine. I didn't feel any side effects.

   Answer

3. Sofia:

   11/20/2018 at 01:52

   From the second trimester of pregnancy, my lower abdomen began to feel very tight. The gynecologist prescribed Papaverine tablets. There were no side effects from them, but I didn’t notice any effect either. But I liked the candles, they removed the tone very well and quickly.

   Answer

4. Natasha:

   11/21/2018 at 00:29

   Papaverine is prescribed in many places to relieve spasms and pain, but unfortunately I can’t call the drug strong, it helped me with injections, but weakly, maybe the situation is different with pregnant women.

   Answer