Reserpine

Question 1

Cost

Answer 1

Cheap 2000 years old

Question 2

Drug Class

Answer 2

Pharm: Rauwolfia alkaloid
Therapeutic: Antihypertensive

Question 3

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 3

Binds to vesicles that contain NE or serotonin, preventing their uptake, and ultimately depleting the neuron of NE (or serotonin); this effect takes 2-3 weeks to develop, and includes neurons and also the adrenal medulla

Question 4

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 4

Good oral bioavailability, but biologic effects take 2-3 weeks to develop (via slow depletion of NE from vesicles)

Question 5

Toxicity

Answer 5

Dizziness; orthostatic hypotension; depression

Question 6

Interactions

Answer 6

Additive effects with most other antihypertensives

Question 7

Special Considerations

Answer 7

Approved FDA 1953, first antihypertensive drug approved and first sympatholytic drug approved by FDA (1960s only included Reserpine, HCTZ, and hydralazine)

Question 8

Indications and Dose / Route

Answer 8

For HTN 0.1-0.2 mg po qid

Question 9

Monitor

Answer 9

BP, sympathetic tone, depression!

Question 10

Note

Answer 10

Not currently used in long term HTN, but great for historical importance