Reserpine is a drug to lower blood pressure in hypertension (high blood pressure). In addition, this drug can also be used to treat psychosis.
As an antihypertensive, reserpine works by blocking alpha adrenergic distribution. That way, the blood vessels will be more relaxed, blood pressure will decrease, and the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart will increase.
Reserpine should only be used with a doctor's prescription. This drug can be taken as a single drug or in combination with other drugs.
Reserpine trademark: Army
What is Reserpine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Alpha-adrenergic block antihypertensive drugs |
| Benefit | Treating hypertension and psychosis in schizophrenia |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Reserpine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Reserpine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Reserpine
Reserpine should not be taken carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking reserpine:
- Do not take reserpine if you are allergic to this drug. Be sure to always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, heart attack, depression, heartburn, peptic ulcer, gallstones, ulcerative colitis, epilepsy, asthma, or undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires vigilance while taking reserpine, as this medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with reserpine, as this can worsen side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking reserpine before having surgery or any medical procedure, including dental surgery.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking reserpine.
Dosage and Rules of Use Reserpine
The dose of reserpine is determined based on the age, condition of the patient, and the body's response to the drug. The following are reserpine doses for adults based on their intended use:
Purpose: Treating hypertension
- Initial dose: 0.5 mg per day, for 1–2 weeks
- Maintenance dose: 0.1–0.25 mg per day
- Maximum dose: 0.5 mg per day
Purpose: Treating chronic psychosis
- Initial dose: 0.5 mg per day. The dose can be increased or decreased according to the patient's body response to treatment. The range of doses that can be used is 0.1-1 mg per day
How to Take Reserpine Correctly
Use reserpine as recommended by the doctor and don't forget to read the information on the drug packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug more than the recommended timeframe.
Reserpine can be taken before or after meals. Take the reserpine tablet with a glass of water to swallow the reserpine tablet.
Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Try to take reserpine at the same time every day for maximum treatment.
Perform control according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored.
Store reserpine at room temperature, and avoid direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Reserpine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur when reserpine is used with other medicines, including:
- Increased risk of fatal side effects with intranasal esketamine, lamborexant, deutetrabenazine, or tetrabenazine
- Changed effect of iobenguane I-131
- Increased risk of hypotension (low blood pressure) if used with diuretics, tizanidine, or other antihypertensive drugs
- Increased risk of arrhythmias when used with quinidine
- Decreased effectiveness of reserpine as an antihypertensive drug when used with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Reserpine Side Effects and Dangers
Reserpine has the potential to cause a number of side effects, including:
- Nauseous
- Headache
- Throw up
- dry mouth
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nasal congestion
- Swollen breasts
- Decreased sexual desire
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by symptoms such as the appearance of an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Respiratory disorders
- Visual disturbance
- Confusion
- Hearing disorders
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Difficult to urinate
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Faint
- Nightmare
