Skip to content

Reserpine

    DEA Class;  Rx

    Common Brand Names; Serpasil

    • Antihypertensives, Other

    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.

    Indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

    Hypersensitivity, active peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, history of depression, history of gallstones; electroconvulsive treatment within 1 week

    • 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

    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 Category: C

    Lactation: unsafe; excreted into breast milk

    Adults

    0.5 mg/day PO for hypertension; 1.0 mg/day PO for psychotic disorders.

    Elderly

    0.25 mg/day PO.

    Adolescents

    Use alternative agents in adolescents to avoid CNS depressant side effects.

    Children

    Use alternative agents in children to avoid CNS depressant side effects.

    Reserpine

    tablet

    • 0.1mg
    • 0.25mg