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RAUWOLFIA ALKALOIDS


Brand & Generic Names

DESERPIDINE RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA
Harmonyl Reserfia
Novoreserpine RESERPINE
Raudixin Serpalan
Rauval Serpasil
Rauverid Wolfina


Basic Information

  • Habit forming? No
  • Prescription needed? Yes
  • Available as generic? Yes
  • Drug class: Antihypertensive, tranquilizer (rauwolfia alkaloid)

Uses

  • Treatment for high blood pressure.
  • Tranquilizer for mental and emotional disturbances.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet or timed-release capsule--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet or open capsule and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Interferes with nerve impulses and relaxes blood vessel muscles, reducing blood pressure.
Suppresses brain centers that control emotions.

Time lapse before drug works:
3 weeks continual use required to determine effectiveness.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.


Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Drowsiness; slow, weak pulse; slow, shallow breathing; diarrhea; coma; flush; low body temperature; pinpoint pupils.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
  • See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

    In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

  • Depression, dizziness.
  • Headache, faintness, drowsiness, lethargy, red eyes, stuffy nose, impotence, diminished sex drive, diarrhea, dry mouth.

Infrequent:

  • Black stool; bloody vomit; chest pain; shortness of breath; irregular or slow heartbeat; stiffness in muscles, bones, joints.
  • Trembling hands, foot and leg swelling.

Rare:

  • Rash or itchy skin, sore throat, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, jaundice.
  • Painful urination, nightmares.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

  • You are allergic to any rauwolfia alkaloid.
  • You are depressed.
  • You have active peptic ulcer.
  • You have ulcerative colitis.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

  • If you have been depressed.
  • If you have had peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis or gallstones.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:

  • Causes cancer in laboratory animals. Consult your doctor if you have family or personal history of cancer.
  • Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel drowsy, dizzy or faint. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
Consult your doctor if you do isometric exercises. These raise blood pressure. Drug may intensify blood pressure rise.


Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------ -----------------------
Anticoagulants*, Unpredictable increased or
oral decreased effect of anticoagulant.
Anticonvulsants* Serious change in seizure pattern.
Antidepressants* Increased antidepressant effect.
Antihistamines* Increased antihistamine effect.
Antihypertensives*, Increased effect of rauwolfia.
Aspirin Decreased aspirin effect.
Beta-adrenergic Increased effect of rauwolfia
blockers* alkaloids. Excessive
sedation.
Carteolol Increased antihypertensive effect.
Clozapine Toxic effect on the central nervous
system.
Digitalis Possible irregular heartbeat.
Dronabinol Increased effects of both drugs.
Avoid.
Ethinamate Dangerous increased effects of
ethinamate. Avoid combining.
Fluoxetine Increased depressant effects of
both drugs.
Guanfacine May increase depressant effects of
either medicine.
Leucovorin High alcohol content of leucovorin
may cause adverse effects.
Levodopa Decreased levodopa effect.
Lisinopril Increased antihypertensive effect.
Dosage of each may require
adjustment.
Loxapine May increase toxic effects of both
drugs.
MAO inhibitors* Severe depression.
Methyprylon May increase sedative effect to
dangerous level. Avoid.
Mind-altering drugs* Excessive sedation.
Nabilone Greater depression of central
nervous system.
Nicardipine Blood pressure drop. Dosages may
require adjustment.
Nimodipine Dangerous blood pressure drop.
Pergolide Decreased pergolide effect.
Sertraline Increased depressive effects
of both drugs.
Sotalol Increased antihypertensive effect.
Terazosin Decreases effectiveness of
terazosin.


Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH COMBINED EFFECT
--------------- ---------------
Alcohol: Increased intoxication. Use with
extreme caution.
Carbonated drinks. Decreased rauwolfia alkaloid
effect.
Cocaine: Increased risk of heart block and
high blood pressure.
Spicy foods. Possible digestive upset.
Marijuana: Occasional use--Mild drowsiness.
Daily use--Moderate drowsiness, low
blood pressure, depression.
Tobacco: No problems expected.



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