Jm. Mathis et al., IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF PAPAVERINE HYDROCHLORIDE INCOMPATIBILITIES - ASIMULATION OF INTRAARTERIAL INFUSION FOR CEREBRAL VASOSPASM, American journal of neuroradiology, 15(9), 1994, pp. 1665-1670
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences,"Radiology,Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
PURPOSE: To elucidate, in light of reports of complications associated
with intraarterial infusion of papaverine hydrochloride, the known pr
opensity of papaverine hydrochloride to form precipitate in combinatio
n with other solutions or pharmaceuticals. METHODS: Initially simulati
ng a situation experienced during an intraarterial papaverine infusion
for cerebral vasospasm, we mixed various concentrations of papaverine
with serum, nonheparinized and heparinized saline, and nonionic contr
ast material. RESULTS: Papaverine in concentrations of 0.3% (300 mg/10
0 mt of normal saline) or greater formed a precipitate when mixed with
human serum (blood). The precipitate crystals were 50 to 100 mu m in
size and could be returned to solution simply by the addition of more
serum. CONCLUSION: Crystal emboli are a possible transient cause of co
mplications experienced during treatment of vasospasm with its attenda
nt altered flow dynamics.