Reserpine
Brand: Serpalan (US/EU) / Respin (IN) / Reserpine (BD)
Antihypertensive
Adrenergic neuron blocker
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 100 hours |
| Tmax | 48 h |
| Bioavailability | 50 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 96 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 1.2 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | no |
| Notes | Very long duration due to irreversible binding to storage vesicles; antihypertensive effect lasts up to weeks; plant alkaloid used historically in chronic hypertension and psychosis. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Severe
Adverse Effects:
Depression, nasal congestion, diarrhea, bradycardia, sedation, peptic ulcer exacerbation
Contraindications:
History of depression, peptic ulcer, Parkinsonism
Precautions:
Avoid in patients with mental depression; monitor mood; discontinue if depressive symptoms develop