Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Serpasil
- Antihypertensives, Other
Description
Oral rauwolfia alkaloid antihypertensive; now less commonly used for HTN; may be used in combination with a thiazide diuretic for HTN or to treat psychotic disorders; safer and more effective alternatives are usually available; associated with hypotension, sedation, and impotence.
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of hypertension.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, active peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, history of depression, history of gallstones; electroconvulsive treatment within 1 week
Adverse Effects
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Conjunctival folliculosis
- Conjunctival hyperemia
- Eye pruritus
- Ocular burning
- Stinging
- Asthenia
- Blepharitis
- Corneal erosion
- Depression
- Epiphora
- Eye discharge
- Eye dryness
- Eye irritation
- Eye pain
- Eyelid edema
- Eyelid erythema
- Eyelid pruritus
- Foreign body sensation
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Oral dryness
- Somnolence
- Superficial punctate keratitis
- Visual disturbance
Warnings
Use caution in asthma, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease, renal impairment, inflammatory bowel disease or history of peptic ulcer disease
Significant mental depression may occur with high doses
Use caution in patients at risk of hypotension
History of gall stones, PUD, ulcerative colitis
Breastfeeding
Avoid during breast-feeding
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: unsafe; excreted into breast milk
Maximum Dosage
0.5 mg/day PO for hypertension; 1.0 mg/day PO for psychotic disorders.
0.25 mg/day PO.
Use alternative agents in adolescents to avoid CNS depressant side effects.
Use alternative agents in children to avoid CNS depressant side effects.
How supplied
Reserpine
tablet
- 0.1mg
- 0.25mg