Rauwolfia Alkaloids (Systemic)
Category- Antihypertensive - Deserpidine; Rauwolfia Serpentina; Reserpine
- Vasospastic therapy adjunct - Deserpidine; Rauwolfia
Serpentina; Reserpine
DescriptionRauwolfia
alkaloids belong to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives.
They are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If
it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.
This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting
in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also
increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur
if blood pressure is controlled.
Rauwolfia alkaloids work by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve
pathways. As a result, they act on the heart and blood vessels to lower blood
pressure.
Rauwolfia alkaloids may also be used to treat other conditions as determined
by your doctor.
These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription, in
the following dosage forms:
Oral
-
Deserpidine
-
Rauwolfia Serpentina
-
Reserpine
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
- Harmonyl 1
- Raudixin 2
- Rauval 2
- Rauverid 2
- Serpalan 3
- Wolfina 2
In Canada -
- Novoreserpine 3
- Reserfia 3
- Serpasil 3
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Note:
|
For quick reference, the following rauwolfia alkaloids are
numbered to match the corresponding brand names.
|
| This information applies to the following medicines: |
| 1. |
Deserpidine (de-SER-pi-deen)† |
| 2. |
RauwolfiaSerpentina (rah-WOOL-fee-aser-pen-TEE-na)†‡ |
| 3. |
Reserpine (re-SER-peen)‡ |
| † Not commercially available in Canada |
| ‡ Generic name product may be available
in the U.S. |
|
