Reserpine (By Mouth)
Reserpine (re-SER-peen)
Treats high blood pressure and other conditions. Belongs to a class of drugs called rauwolfia alkaloids.
Brand Name(s):
There may be other brand names for this medicine. When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to reserpine. You should not use reserpine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet
-
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
-
Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Even if you feel fine your blood pressure can still be high.
-
May be taken with or without food or milk.
If a dose is missed:
-
If you miss a dose of reserpine, You should not use the missed dose at all, just return to your regular dosing schedule.
-
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
-
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
-
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
-
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking diet pills, or medicine for allergies or colds.
-
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
-
Check with your doctor before taking if you have heart, kidney, or Parkinson's disease, asthma, epilepsy (seizures), stomach or intestinal ulcers, gallstones, colitis, or depression.
-
Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
-
Reserpine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.
-
Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking reserpine before having any kind of surgery.
-
Don't suddenly stop taking reserpine without first asking your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
-
Irregular heartbeat
-
Chest pain
-
Trouble breathing
-
Skin rash, blisters, severe itching or hives
-
Severe stomach pain
-
Dark or bloody stools
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
-
Headache, nervousness, or trouble concentrating
-
Drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting
-
Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
-
Dry mouth or stuffy nose
-
Diarrhea or weight gain
-
Sexual trouble
-
Depressed mood, strange dreams, or nightmares
-
Breast swelling in men
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
|