Reserpine

Drug #1542

Reserpine is an alkaloid obtained from the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina, 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 Use of rauwolfia alkaloids in patients with psychotic disorders has been replaced by treatment with other, more effective agents.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin.

Molecular Weight: 608.7 · pK_a: 6.6 · Solubility in Water: Insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 1800 · Non-proprietary name: Reserpine.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Reserpine has an oral bioavailability is 15% (±15%).

Distribution: Reserpine has a plasma protein binding is 96 %.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 1 - 2 weeks.

Indications

Reserpine is primarily indicated in conditions like Agitated psychosis, Cerebrovascular accident, Hypertension in pregnancy, Mild to moderate hypertension.

Reserpine is also indicated for secondary conditions like Peripheral vasospasm.

Contraindications

Reserpine is contraindicated in conditions like Depression, Renal failure.

Dosage

Reserpine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route
Adult Dosage
0.55 mg	0.55 mg	Every 24h	PO
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown9 interactions

2 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Reserpine in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Bronchospasm , Depression , Dystonia , Congestive heart failure , Dyskinesias , Parkinsonism , Aggravation of peptic ulcer.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Reserpine are Bronchospasm, Coma, Hypothermia, Palpitations , Respiratory depression, Tremor, Low cardiac output, Dystonia, Impaired conciousness, Progressive decrease in BP, Vasodilatation.

Reserpine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Amenorrhea, Disturbed sleep, Drowsiness, Dyspepsia , Galactorrhea, Looseness of bowel, Menstrual irregularity, Nasal obstruction, Nightmares, Weight gain.

Warnings / Precautions

It should be used with caution in the presence of gallstones, cardiac arrhythmias, renal insufficiency, myocardial infarction, epilepsy, or allergic conditions such as bronchial asthma and in debilitated or elderly patients. Decrease in the dosage or withdrawal of reserpine causes the reversal of many side effects although mental disorders may persist for months and hypotensive effects may persist for weeks after the termination of treatment.

Interference in Pathology

Reserpine may interfere in the diagnosis of Zimmerman method for assaying 17-kotasteroids , Porter-Silber Reaction for Urinary 17-OH-Corticosteroids , Rogers Spot Test for urinary VMA or other Guaicols.

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Tabs

0.25 mg

Storage Conditions

Reserpine should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.12.3.8 — Ganglion blocking drugs

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Reserpine in Pakistan:

Specific