Reserpine (Reserpine)
Overview of Reserpine
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 Use of rauwolfia alkaloids in patients with psychotic disorders has been replaced by treatment with other, more effective agents.
Indication of Reserpine
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.
Contraindication of Reserpine
Reserpine is contraindicated in conditions like Depression,Renal failure.
Side Effects of Reserpine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Reserpine, which give rise to further complications include Congestive heart failure, Bronchospasm, Dyskinesias, Parkinsonism, Depression, Dystonia, Aggravation of peptic ulcer.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Reserpine include Bronchospasm, Coma, Hypothermia, Palpitations, Respiratory depression, Tremor, Low cardiac output, Dystonia, Impaired conciousness, Progressive decrease in BP, Vasodilatation.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Reserpine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Drowsiness, Dyspepsia, Weight gain, Nightmares, Galactorrhea, Menstrual irregularity, Amenorrhea, Disturbed sleep, Nasal obstruction, Looseness of bowel.
Precautions of Reserpine
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.