Reserpine Description

Generic Name : RESERPINE

Pronunciation : (re ser' peen)

Trade Name(s) : Adelphane, Adelphane-Esidrox, Alsartan-H, Angizaar H, Arkanin-H, Beta-Biduret, Betacard Plus, Biduret, BP-Loride, Corbetazine, Cardif Beta, CatapresDIU, Cipril-H, Cipril-H, Genophane, Hipres-D, Hytrol-AM, Hysartas, Lasiride, Lisoril-5 HT, Listril Plus, Losar-A, Losar-H, Sarpalzino, Serpasil, Stamace, Zaart-H

Why it is prescribed: Reserpine controls high blood pressure by widening the openings of the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. Reserpine also has been used to treat some blood vessel diseases such as Raynaud's disease.

When it is to be taken: Reserpine is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. This medication controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Therefore, it is important that you take it regularly. Try to take it at the same time that you do something else each day such as brushing your teeth in the morning, eating dinner, or going to bed at night. You may have to take reserpine for three weeks before feeling its full effects on blood pressure.

How it should be taken: Reserpine comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Your doctor may change your dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly, and your eyes may be examined occasionally.
2. Reserpine makes some patients drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
3. Do not stop taking reserpine without consulting your doctor.
4. Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Omit it; take only your next regularly scheduled dose.

Side Effects :
1. Drowsiness, headache. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or are severe.
2. Dry mouth, nasal stuffiness. Drink plenty of fluids, chew sugarless gum, or suck sugarless hard candies.
3. Dizziness. Get up slowly. If dizziness is persistent or severe, contact your doctor.
4. Weight gain, breast enlargement in men, decreased sexual drive. Contact your doctor: your dose or your medication may need to be changed.
5. Upset stomach. Take the medication with meals or a snack. If upsets continue, contact your doctor.
6. Depression, loss of appetite, mood changes, nightmares. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take reserpine, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.
2. If you ever had mental illness, severe depression, ulcers, gallstones, or asthma, tell your doctor before taking reserpine.
3. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor about your blood pressure medications.
4. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding or if you become pregnant while taking reserpine, tell your doctor.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.