Reserpine

Reserpine is an alkaloid obtained from the roots of Rauwolfia serpentine, was among the first drugs used for the management of hypertension and psychosis. It was the first drug found to interfere with the human sympathetic nervous system, it blocks the ability of aminergic transmitter vesicles to take up and store biogenic amines resulting in depletion of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in both central and peripheral neurons. It was approved by the FDA in 1953. Recently, the use of it as an antihypertensive agent has diminished due to its adverse CNS effects and the development of newer antihypertensive drugs that are equally effective and much better tolerated. Use of rauwolfia alkaloids in patients with psychotic disorders has been replaced by treatment with other, more effective agents.

Reserpine is primarily indicated in conditions like Agitated psychosis, Cerebrovascular accident, Hypertension in pregnancy, Mild to moderate hypertension, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Peripheral vasospasm.

Reserpine is contraindicated in conditions like Depression, Renal failure.

The following adverse reactions have been observed with rauwolfia preparations, but there has not been enough systematic collection of data to support an estimate of their frequency. Consequently the reactions are categorized by organ system and are listed in decreasing order of severity and not frequency.

Extreme caution should be exercised in treating patients with a history of mental depression. Reserpine may cause mental depression. Recognition of depression may be difficult because this condition may often be disguised by somatic complaints (Masked Depression). The drug should be discontinued at first signs of depression such as despondency, early morning insomnia, loss of appetite, impotence, or self-deprecation. Drug-induced depression may persist for several months after drug withdrawal and may be severe enough to result in suicide.

Extreme caution should be exercised in treating patients with a history of mental depression. Reserpine may cause mental depression. Recognition of depression may be difficult because this condition may often be disguised by somatic complaints (Masked Depression). The drug should be discontinued at first signs of depression such as despondency, early morning insomnia, loss of appetite, impotence, or self-deprecation. Drug-induced depression may persist for several months after drug withdrawal and may be severe enough to result in suicide.

0.1 to 1 mg (0.55 (0.55)) 24 hourly PO —

No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

MAO inhibitors should be avoided or used with extreme caution. Concurrent use of tricyclic antidepressants may decrease the antihypertensive effect of reserpine. Concurrent use of reserpine and direct-or-indirect acting sympathomimetics should be closely monitored. The action of direct-acting amines (epinephrine, isoproterenol, phenylephrine, metaraminol) may be prolonged when given to patients taking reserpine. The action of indirect-acting amines (ephedrine, tyramine, amphetamines) is inhibited. Reserpine should be used cautiously with digitalis and quinidine, since cardiac arrhythmias have occurred with rauwolfia preparations. Concomitant use of reserpine with other antihypertensive agents necessitates careful titration of dosage with each agent.

Tab Store at room temperature. Protect from Sunlight.