Plastic Surgery>>>>>Basic principles and basic science
Question 49#

Papaverine:

A. Is an opium alkaloid
B. Is a vasoconstrictor
C. Inhibits phosphodiesterase and reduces cAMP levels
D. Is a local anaesthetic
E. May not be applied directly to blood vessels

Correct Answer is A

Comment:

Is an opium alkaloid. It is extracted from poppies but differs in both structure and pharmacological action from the other opiates. It acts through increasing cAMP levels via inhibition of phosphodiesterase leading to smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.