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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM › ANTIHYPERTENSIVES › ANTIADRENERGIC AGENTS, CENTRALLY ACTING › Rauwolfia alkaloids
combinations of rauwolfia alkaloids
C02AA03
Forms & Strengths
- Tablets: 1mg reserpine with 0.1mg hyoscine
- Tablets: 0.25mg reserpine with 0.05mg hyoscine
- Injectable solution: 1mg reserpine per ml
Adult Dosing
- Initial dose: 0.25mg reserpine orally once daily
- Maintenance dose: 0.5-1.5mg reserpine orally once daily
- Maximum dose: 2mg reserpine orally per day
Pediatric Dosing
- Not recommended for children under 12 years
- Dose for children over 12 years: as adults, adjusted according to response
Indications
- Mild to moderate essential hypertension
- Hypertension in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia)
- Psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia
Mechanism of Action
- Depletes catecholamines (noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin) from nerve terminals
- Centrally acting antipsychotic and antihypertensive effect
Contraindications
- Depression, suicidal ideation
- Parkinson's disease
- Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Hepatic or renal impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension
- Nasal stuffiness, diarrhea
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Extrapyramidal symptoms, e.g., parkinsonism
Drug Interactions
- Enhanced hypotensive effect with other antihypertensives
- Anesthetics: increase risk of hypotension during anesthesia
- Tricyclic antidepressants: enhanced sedative effect
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use