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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM › ANTIHYPERTENSIVES › ANTIADRENERGIC AGENTS, CENTRALLY ACTING › Rauwolfia alkaloids
methoserpidine
C02AA06
Forms & Strengths
- Oral tablets: 5 mg
- Oral tablets: 10 mg
Adult Dosing
- Hypertension: Initial 5 to 10 mg daily in divided doses
- Hypertension: Maintenance titrated up to 30 mg daily based on blood pressure response and tolerability
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients
- Use generally not recommended in children
Indications
- Management of essential hypertension
Mechanism of Action
- Rauwolfia alkaloid derivative acting as a centrally and peripherally acting sympatholytic
- Depletes catecholamines and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) stores in adrenergic nerve endings
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to methoserpidine or other Rauwolfia alkaloids
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- History of depression, particularly with suicidal tendencies
- Concomitant monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy
Adverse Reactions
- Central nervous system: Depression, sedation, drowsiness, nightmares, extrapyramidal symptoms
- Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, syncope
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, increased gastric secretion, diarrhea
- Other: Nasal congestion, weight gain, impotence, decreased libido
Drug Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Risk of severe central nervous system excitation and hypertension
- Antihypertensives and diuretics: Potentiation of blood pressure-lowering effects leading to severe hypotension
- Central nervous system depressants (alcohol, barbiturates): Enhanced sedative effects
- Digitalis glycosides or quinidine: Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use